airline

American  

[air-lahyn] / ˈɛərˌlaɪn /

noun

1. Aeronautics.

   1. a system furnishing air transport, usually scheduled, between specified points.

   2. the airplanes, airports, etc., of such a system.

   3. Often airlines a company that owns or operates such a system.

2. a direct line; beeline.

3. an airhose used to pipe air to a deep-sea diver, pneumatic drill, etc.

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adjective

1. of or on an airline.

airline British  

/ ˈɛəˌlaɪn /

noun

1. 1. a system or organization that provides scheduled flights for passengers or cargo

   2. ( as modifier )

      an airline pilot

2. a hose or tube carrying air under pressure

3. a beeline

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Etymology

Origin of airline

First recorded in 1910–15; air ¹ + line ¹

Explanation

An airline is a company that owns and operates a fleet of planes. You might pick an airline for your trip to Hawaii based on who sells the least expensive tickets. The airline is the business that maintains airplanes for commercial and business travel. Some people have a strong preference for one airline over another — you may enjoy flying with the airline that provides homemade cookies to its passengers, for example. Baggage handlers, flight attendants, and pilots all work for an airline. The original, 1813 meaning of airline was quite different: "a straight line between two points on the earth's surface."

Example Sentences

The surge in jet-fuel costs has raised the likelihood of consolidation in the airline sector, according to industry analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Instead, the airline said pricing is based on real-time availability and can change at any moment based on demand.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Oil prices jumped 4% amid peace talk uncertainty, threatening airline earnings due to surging jet fuel costs.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

EES is run by the relevant border control authority in each country rather than by the airport or airline.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

With a dramatic flourish, he placed a black airline pilot’s bag on the table.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston