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

Example Sentences

TD Cowen analyst Tom Fitzgerald on Thursday reduced price targets on a few airline stocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

While the jet-fuel and fertilizer narrative is a nice contrast to sputtering airline stocks, regulatory changes at home, rather than supply disruptions in the Middle East, are what have analysts on Wall Street most excited.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Jet-fuel prices hit $4.62 a gallon, up from $2.50 before the conflict, increasing airline costs by hundreds of millions of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Rousseau was under pressure to resign from politicians and many others in French-speaking Quebec, where the airline is based.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Aviation experts will tell you that Korean Air is now as safe as any airline in the world.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell