airdrop

American  

[air-drop] / ˈɛərˌdrɒp /

verb (used with object)

airdropped, airdropping

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

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noun

1. the act or process of airdropping.

airdrop British  

/ ˈɛəˌdrɒp /

noun

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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• air-droppable adjective

Etymology

Origin of airdrop

First recorded in 1945–50; air ¹ + drop

Example Sentences

Efforts to reach people in areas still cut off are ongoing, with aid having to be airdropped into some places.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From 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".

From BBC

Related Words

• fly