wheelchair

American  

[weel-chair, hweel-] / ˈwilˌtʃɛər, ˈʰwil- /

noun

• wheelchairs
  plural

1. a chair mounted on wheels for use by persons who cannot walk.

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wheelchair British  

/ ˈwiːlˌtʃɛə /

noun

1. med a special chair mounted on large wheels, for use by invalids or others for whom walking is impossible or temporarily inadvisable

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• wheelchairs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of wheelchair

First recorded in 1690–1700; wheel + chair

Explanation

A wheelchair is a device people use to get around independently if they are unable to walk. You can easily navigate sidewalks, businesses, and schools in a wheelchair, as long as there are appropriate ramps and elevators available. A wheelchair is just what it sounds like: a chair with wheels. When people have injuries or conditions that don't allow them to use their legs for walking, using a wheelchair gives them a new kind of mobility. While the earliest wheelchairs had to be pushed by another person, today you can propel a wheelchair yourself, either manually, by pushing the wheels to move forward, or using electricity.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wheelchair wheelchairs

She served in Ohio’s state legislature for nearly a decade and spent the first part of her political career working from a wheelchair after suffering a stroke in 2000.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026

Crockett also drew criticism in March 2025 when she called Gov. Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, “Governor Hot Wheels,” though she said the nickname was not about his wheelchair use.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

James Bay came on stage in a wheelchair to support Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

It also includes several sculptures by him, as well as objects and furniture that belonged to the painter, such as his easel and wheelchair.

From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026

They insisted on pushing me to Henry’s car in a wheelchair, though I was perfectly able to walk and humiliated at being rolled out like a parcel.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

He also worked as a 'chairman' in nearby Bath, transporting sick and infirm people through the city's steep streets in wheelchairs and sedan chairs despite his own physical injuries.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026

Everitt agrees that hot weather "affects many children with special needs", especially those who use wheelchairs, like Amelia.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

Others required the use of crutches, wheelchairs and, in the most extreme cases, artificial breathing machines known as iron lungs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026

One couple, allegedly approached at a supermarket, was told by Minerd they could receive $300 a month each and receive nutritional shakes, nonprescription vitamins and wheelchairs, Essayli said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 2, 2026

Mom talks to Carol, the receptionist explains something on the ph one, and Jason’s mother and Mrs. Frost discuss good restaurants that accommodate wheelchairs.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord