helicopter

American  

[hel-i-kop-ter, hee-li-] / ˈhɛl ɪˌkɒp tər, ˈhi lɪ- /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to fly in a helicopter.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey in a helicopter.

helicopter British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of helicopter

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

Example Sentences

She criticizes helicopter parenting, decries remote work and tells women they should be willing to “piss people off” in order to be good leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The pilots of an Apache attack helicopter were suspended this week after doing a flyby of Kid Rock’s home in Tennessee.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Kid Rock -- whose real name is Robert Ritchie -- posted a video on X over the weekend showing a helicopter hovering near his mountaintop home's swimming pool as he clapped and saluted.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Police said the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation, a company whose website advertises "a doors-off thrill seekers adventure tour" of the picturesque island's waterfalls, canyons, and beaches.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

If he and Abby floated away from Magpie Island, even a helicopter might have trouble spotting them.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

Related Words

• chopper