helicopter
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have helicopteredperfect
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has helicopteredperfect 3rd person singular
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has been helicopteringperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been helicopteringperfect progressive
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are helicopteringprogressive
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helicopteringparticiple
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am helicopteringprogressive 1st person singular
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is helicopteringprogressive 3rd person singular
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helicopterssingular 3rd person
Past
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had helicopteredperfect
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were helicopteringprogressive plural
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was helicopteringprogressive singular
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had been helicopteringperfect progressive
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helicopteredsimple
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helicopteredparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of helicopter
From the French word hélicoptère, dating back to 1885–90. See helico-, -pter
Explanation
A helicopter is a flying vehicle with a system of rotors that lift and propel it. In some cities, police officers patrol in helicopters. In some suburbs, wealthy people even commute by helicopter. Like airplanes, helicopters travel through the air — but unlike airplanes, they don't have wings. Most helicopters have a large rotor blade on top that creates lift by spinning rapidly. Smaller rotors help the helicopter move and steer. Hospitals use helicopters for transporting patients in crisis, for whom an ambulance might not move fast enough. The word comes from Greek roots, helix, "spiral," and pteron, "wing."
Vocabulary lists containing helicopter
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A helicopter was used to reach the patient and allow paramedics to provide urgent medical care.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
The Apache helicopter is the second crewed aircraft that Washington has confirmed was shot down by Iran during the war, following the loss of an F-15 fighter plane in April.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
The annual AeroWomen event was run by helicopter firm Leonardo, and focuses on helping people find their way into the industry.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
The roar of the helicopter grew louder; she knew it was directly in front of the cabin.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
