helicopter

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

noun

1. 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)

1. to fly in a helicopter.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey in a helicopter.

helicopter

/ ˈhɛlɪˌkɒptə /

noun

1. 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 blades See also autogiro

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter¹

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

Example Sentences

On Tuesday Prince William returned to the region of north Wales where he previously spent several years serving as a search and rescue helicopter pilot in the RAF.

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The other two were uninjured and rescued by helicopter early on Tuesday, after contacting emergency services the previous night.

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On stage, the Harlem rapper descended on a floating helicopter of his own, megaphone in hand and pink curlers in his hair.

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The aircraft blend technology from airplanes and helicopters and will eventually be integrated into existing transportation systems, according to leaders in the industry.

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Victim recovery dog teams and drones were brought in, as well as the police helicopter and divers.

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Related Words

• chopper