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

But not every airline can keep fares in check by absorbing the higher fuel costs.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

Shae, who has about 20 credit cards that he uses strategically, has already booked future trips through various airline transfer programs.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

The airline, which recently merged with Alaska Airlines, is the last U.S. airline to offer such meals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Baroness Grey-Thompson also recalled other incidents where the wheels of her racing chair were damaged, and an airline "immediately jumped to replacing them" with a more expensive set.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

After lunch, I took Ginger for another walk, called the airline to see how much it would cost if I changed my ticket go home early.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg