airline

American  

[air-lahyn] / ˈɛərˌlaɪn /

noun

1. Aeronautics.

   1. a system furnishing air transport, usually scheduled, between specified points.

   2. the airplanes, airports, etc., of such a system.

   3. Often airlines a company that owns or operates such a system.

2. a direct line; beeline.

3. an airhose used to pipe air to a deep-sea diver, pneumatic drill, etc.

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adjective

1. of or on an airline.

airline British  

/ ˈɛəˌlaɪn /

noun

1. 1. a system or organization that provides scheduled flights for passengers or cargo

   2. ( as modifier )

      an airline pilot

2. a hose or tube carrying air under pressure

3. a beeline

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Etymology

Origin of airline

First recorded in 1910–15; air ¹ + line ¹

Explanation

An airline is a company that owns and operates a fleet of planes. You might pick an airline for your trip to Hawaii based on who sells the least expensive tickets. The airline is the business that maintains airplanes for commercial and business travel. Some people have a strong preference for one airline over another — you may enjoy flying with the airline that provides homemade cookies to its passengers, for example. Baggage handlers, flight attendants, and pilots all work for an airline. The original, 1813 meaning of airline was quite different: "a straight line between two points on the earth's surface."

Example Sentences

A combination would create by far the largest airline in the world, with over $120 billion in combined revenues prior to any required divestitures, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Due to the magnitude, Fitzgerald would expect opposition from state attorneys general and significant lobbying against the deal by the rest of the airline industry, assuming the federal government were to signal its blessing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

“These assets could be up for grabs for Delta and other airline, such that it could help level the playing field somewhat,” they added.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Earlier this year, Citi analysts polled investors on the likelihood of airline mergers and acquisitions and found that nearly 60% of investors believed that a “major” M&A event would be likely in the industry.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

I type the flight number, the date we arrive, and the airline we’re flying on.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya