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

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."

Example Sentences

Helicopter tours are a popular way for visitors to tour the island, which is where the blockbuster film Jurassic Park was shot.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Appeared in the October 21, 2025, print edition as 'Sherrill’s Helicopter Campaign'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025

Helicopter footage from the scene showed law enforcement vehicles blocking access as they closed the road.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2025

Leonard credits the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service that came to his aid that day with saving his life.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025

Helicopter searches will stop at sunset, 19:33 hours, per Captain Braswell’s orders, after last night's near crash.

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

• chopper