helicopter

[ hel-i-kop-ter, hee-li- ]

/ ˈhɛl ɪˌkɒp tər, ˈhi lɪ- /

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noun

any of a class of heavier-than-air craft that are lifted and sustained in the air horizontally by rotating wings or blades turning on vertical axes through power supplied by an engine.

verb (used without object)

to fly in a helicopter.

verb (used with object)

to convey in a helicopter.

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Origin of helicopter

From the French word hélicoptère, dating back to 1885–90. See helico-, -pter

Words nearby helicopter

helicoid, helicoid cyme, helicon, helicopod gait, helicopt, helicopter, helicopter gunship, helicopter parent, helicopter parenting, helicopter view, helicospore

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use helicopter in a sentence

Despite initially climbing upwards, the helicopter then descended, continuing that left turn, and crashed into terrain.
This surprisingly common flight issue contributed to Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash|Rob Verger|February 11, 2021|Popular-Science
Once he was in the clouds, the investigators said Zobayan likely became disoriented as he lost visual references, thinking he was climbing when, in fact, the helicopter was plunging toward a hillside.
Helicopter pilot flying Kobe Bryant didn’t follow his training when flying into disorienting clouds, federal investigators say|Ian Duncan|February 9, 2021|Washington Post
Instead of driving the same scenic route as other cars, you’re floating or flying above it all in a hot-air balloon or helicopter.
7 Unique Ways to Experience National Parks|Megan Michelson|February 6, 2021|Outside Online
That’s puzzling and frustrating considering the amount of helicopter money Washington has dumped on the economy in recent quarters.
Here’s what’s driving global stocks to new all-time highs|Bernhard Warner|February 5, 2021|Fortune

After a quick scan of the helicopter pickup area, Jim, our pilot, began to climb.
After the Crash, They Said I Was Fine. I Wasn't.|Erin Tierney|February 4, 2021|Outside Online
Employees strap a device to their heads and power a helicopter drone with their minds.
Use Your Brain—Control a Drone|The Daily Beast Video|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The whir of the circling NYPD helicopter muffled their chants calling for unity and calling out police brutality.
Protesters Demand Justice For Gurley As Gap Grows Between Cops and NYC|M.L. Nestel|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Du Pont would even fly his wrestlers to tournaments in his Learjet or helicopter.
Foxcatcher’s Real-Life Psycho Killer|Marlow Stern|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After our helicopter crashed in the courtyard, Jimbo and I rushed inside the house.
I Shot Bin Laden|Elliot Ackerman|November 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ten days later, it will start air missions using two airplanes and one helicopter.
Britain’s Let-Em-All-Die Policy|Nico Hines, Barbie Latza Nadeau|November 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"It would have been easier to bring along a helicopter," Wayne said wryly.
The Judas Valley|Gerald Vance
"Too bad we couldn't have had that helicopter you were talking about," said Boggs.
The Judas Valley|Gerald Vance
I struggled to make my way through it just as the PA underneath the helicopter switched on.
Little Brother|Cory Doctorow
And from the helicopter at the White House lawn, where was your first stop by helicopter?
Warren Commission (7 of 26): Hearings Vol. VII (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
It was approximately forenoon, about 10:45, from the White House lawn, in the President's helicopter.
Warren Commission (7 of 26): Hearings Vol. VII (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for helicopter

helicopter

/ (ˈhɛlɪˌkɒptə) /

noun

an aircraft capable of hover, vertical flight, and horizontal flight in any direction. Most get all of their lift and propulsion from the rotation of overhead bladesSee also autogiro

verb

to transport (people or things) or (of people or things) to be transported by helicopter

Word Origin for helicopter

C19: from French hélicoptère, from helico- + Greek pteron wing

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

helicopter

Origin of helicopter

Words nearby helicopter

Words related to helicopter

How to use helicopter in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for helicopter

Word Origin for helicopter