airdrop

[air-drop]

verb (used with object)

airdropped, airdropping 

1. to drop (persons, equipment, etc.) by parachute from an aircraft in flight.

noun

1. the act or process of airdropping.

airdrop

/ ˈɛəˌdrɒp /

noun

1. a delivery of supplies, troops, etc, from an aircraft by parachute

verb

1. (tr) to deliver (supplies, etc) by an airdrop

Other Word Forms

• air-droppable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of airdrop¹

First recorded in 1945–50; air ¹ + drop

Example Sentences

In the past few days, it has posted a video of soldiers said to be cheering the arrival of much-needed supplies, reported to be delivered by airdrops.

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Israel also began allowing airdrops of aid, something criticised as inefficient, dangerous, and ultimately a distraction by humanitarian organisations.

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In addition to airdrops, Israel said it would designate humanitarian corridors for UN convoys.

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In the face of blistering international pressure and daily reports of deaths from starvation — aid groups said last weekend that more than 100 children have died from malnourishment — Israel allowed airdrops to resume last month.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Saar said 5,000 aid lorries had entered Gaza over the last two months, and that Israel was making "amazing efforts, including this week, by opening these humanitarian corridors, by airdrops by any possible means".

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Related Words

• fly