helicopter

American  

[hel-i-kop-ter, hee-li-] / ˈhɛl ɪˌkɒp tər, ˈhi lɪ- /

noun

1. any of a class of heavier-than-air craft that are lifted and sustained in the air horizontally by rotating wings or blades turning on vertical axes through power supplied by an engine.

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verb (used without object)

1. to fly in a helicopter.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey in a helicopter.

helicopter British  

/ ˈhɛlɪˌkɒptə /

noun

1. an aircraft capable of hover, vertical flight, and horizontal flight in any direction. Most get all of their lift and propulsion from the rotation of overhead blades See also autogiro

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verb

1. to transport (people or things) or (of people or things) to be transported by helicopter

Etymology

Origin of helicopter

From the French word hélicoptère, dating back to 1885–90. See helico-, -pter

Explanation

A helicopter is a flying vehicle with a system of rotors that lift and propel it. In some cities, police officers patrol in helicopters. In some suburbs, wealthy people even commute by helicopter. Like airplanes, helicopters travel through the air — but unlike airplanes, they don't have wings. Most helicopters have a large rotor blade on top that creates lift by spinning rapidly. Smaller rotors help the helicopter move and steer. Hospitals use helicopters for transporting patients in crisis, for whom an ambulance might not move fast enough. The word comes from Greek roots, helix, "spiral," and pteron, "wing."

Example Sentences

Helicopter flights dropped sand and other materials on it.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Helicopter tours over the volcanic landscapes of Mount Aso are among the major tourist draws of Kumamoto prefecture, in south-west Japan.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating a crash that occurred Wednesday involving a Robinson Helicopter R66 series in Ekalaka, Mont.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Helicopter footage appeared to show there were two posters on the car’s dashboard and an oxygen tank in the passenger seat.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

Helicopter searches will stop at sunset, 19:33 hours, per Captain Braswell’s orders, after last night's near crash.

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

• chopper