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

“He screams. He insults, He gets out of a helicopter, he says he has to have a Rolex, he talks about his wealth,” Fajardo said in a gathering with supporters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

His group signed a five-year partnership with Airbus to apply AI to defence and space activities and helicopter manufacturing -- though the value of the contract has not been revealed.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

The cost of a medevac helicopter was in the tens of thousands of dollars.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

A video posted on the Citizen App shows a person being hoisted by a helicopter into the sky.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

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

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• chopper