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

Airline rules have slight differences in their advice to passengers on the issue, but generally ask that portable chargers be kept in a bag under the seat rather than in overhead compartments.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The increase, in points, in overall airline satisfaction from 2025, according to the JD Power 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study out this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Airline now says viral post about $230 fare hike was an error.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Airline stocks have been hit by a spike in jet fuel prices during the Iran war.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

She was renting the same apartment off Airline Highway and working two jobs.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers