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

"She was in a wheelchair... Her head was down. Apparently the illness started getting to her," Cenet said.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

At the time, Lee was in a wheelchair after losing a leg and a portion of his pelvis when he was hit by a speeding car at age 14.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Even though your wheelchair use is a factor that could bolster your case, it might not be all that relevant, says Ken Walden, a representative from Access Living, a nonprofit that focuses on disability advocacy.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

In a detailed submission to the court on Friday, his lawyers said Mladic had already been bedbound or in a wheelchair for a long time.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

He stopped in front of me, leaned forward in his wheelchair, and said forcefully, "Do you know what you're doing?"

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson