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

TSA said the program is part of its effort to modernize screening and make things more convenient for passengers, while maintaining security protocols in place with strict requirements for bus operators and airline personnel.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Spirit’s permanent grounding on May 2 made it the highest-profile airline casualty in decades—and set off a dash as rival carriers and airports look to fill the void it left behind.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

At least for now, Starlink is a watch item for airline investors and an example of how space-based technology is changing industries and consumer experiences.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Shares of the airline rallied more than 3% in the extended session Friday, reversing a loss in the regular session.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

“The airline is going to refund the charge to Dad’s credit card.”

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin