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

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

For example, the French navy uses the VSR700 drone derived from the small Cabri G2 helicopter for surveillance and reconnaissance.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The defense secretary reversed the suspension of helicopter aircrew who flew by Kid Rock’s home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The incident is the latest fatal crash in Kauai involving a tour helicopter.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The helicopter hovered, waiting for the polar bear to pass out.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• chopper