wheelchair

American  

[weel-chair, hweel-] / ˈwilˌtʃɛər, ˈʰwil- /

noun

1. a chair mounted on wheels for use by persons who cannot walk.

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wheelchair British  

/ ˈwiːlˌtʃɛə /

noun

1. med a special chair mounted on large wheels, for use by invalids or others for whom walking is impossible or temporarily inadvisable

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Etymology

Origin of wheelchair

First recorded in 1690–1700; wheel + chair

Explanation

A wheelchair is a device people use to get around independently if they are unable to walk. You can easily navigate sidewalks, businesses, and schools in a wheelchair, as long as there are appropriate ramps and elevators available. A wheelchair is just what it sounds like: a chair with wheels. When people have injuries or conditions that don't allow them to use their legs for walking, using a wheelchair gives them a new kind of mobility. While the earliest wheelchairs had to be pushed by another person, today you can propel a wheelchair yourself, either manually, by pushing the wheels to move forward, or using electricity.

Example Sentences

Before his passing, Alan used a wheelchair and spent a week in intensive care before returning to his Lehi, Utah, home on Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Bikers and wheelchair users have said a redeveloped two-mile section of a bridle path along the River Dee is not accessible to everyone.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Switzerland’s Marcel Hug won the men’s wheelchair division with a time of 1:16:06.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

In rural areas, the absence of pavements means wheelchair users must rely on roads that are often unpaved or unsafe.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“I’m glad I didn’t bring my wheelchair today,” Reg said.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro