aircraft

American  

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

noun

plural

aircraft

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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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

Example Sentences

It will also provide the U.S. with an aircraft that could carry out offensive operations.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Indian navy is the world’s fifth largest by tonnage and is one of only eight navies to operate aircraft carriers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Within days, it flew drones near the island to express its anger, prompting Japan to scramble aircraft jets in response.

From BBC

According to CNN, the FBI has three jets based in Virginia for operational use and for the director's transport, along with a fleet of aircraft stationed around the country for surveillance and emergency response missions.

From BBC

Not to worry, they argued: Limited resources were better spent on slow-to-produce ships, aircraft and other platforms; in a crisis, the U.S. could rapidly build more weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• airliner
• balloon
• chopper
• helicopter
• jet