wheelchair

American  

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

noun

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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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

"She was in a wheelchair... Her head was down. Apparently the illness started getting to her," Cenet said.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Even though your wheelchair use is a factor that could bolster your case, it might not be all that relevant, says Ken Walden, a representative from Access Living, a nonprofit that focuses on disability advocacy.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

Philip is the first wheelchair user to attend the Met Gala, according to Vogue magazine.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

A recent Reddit post recounts the story of a passenger who called Southwest to add wheelchair service, which is free except for a tip.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

The Souls came down from the stage then and, two by two, stood on either side of her wheelchair, so the commissioner had to come down off the stage to give them their trophy.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg