aircraft

American  

[air-kraft, -krahft] / ˈɛərˌkræft, -ˌkrɑft /

noun

1. any machine supported for flight in the air by buoyancy or by the dynamic action of air on its surfaces, especially powered airplanes, gliders, and helicopters.

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aircraft British  

/ ˈɛəˌkrɑːft /

noun

1. any machine capable of flying by means of buoyancy or aerodynamic forces, such as a glider, helicopter, or aeroplane

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• aircraft
  plural

Etymology

Origin of aircraft

First recorded in 1840–50; air ¹ + craft

Compare meaning

How does aircraft compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• aircraft vs. airplane

Explanation

A machine that can fly, held aloft in the air, is called an aircraft. Airplanes and helicopters are two types of aircraft. Some aircraft, such as helicopters, fly by using rotary wings — spinning blades that directly generate lift. Airplanes use engines to turn propellers or power gas turbines, providing the thrust needed to move air over their wings and create lift. Still other aircraft, including hot-air balloons, achieve lift through buoyancy, by using gases that are lighter than the surrounding air. Balloons and airships, including blimps and dirigibles, were actually the first vehicles referred to as aircraft, a term adapted from nautical terminology.

Example Sentences

Aircraft offered by BAE Systems, Leonardo and several other companies are also considered to be contenders to replace the Hawk but no decisions have been made.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Before entering venture capital, Stevens worked in sales at Intel and as a technical staff member at Hughes Aircraft.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Aircraft with fewer people are easier to evacuate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Aircraft take a few years to build, and contracts are signed at certain times of the year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Aircraft took over the reconnaissance operations that cavalry could no longer perform.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

• airliner
• balloon
• chopper
• helicopter
• jet