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

Marcella Anglada, 61, pulled out her phone and showed Pratt a video of nearby broken sidewalks that she said were impassable in her motorized wheelchair.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

After so many falls and hospitalizations, he’s taking a wheelchair around the Capitol.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

During the weekslong trial, Weinstein, who is being held at the Rikers Island jail complex, watched the proceedings from his wheelchair.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The team at Cerebral Palsy Midlands run activities including pottery, musical production, virtual gaming and Vicky's favourite - wheelchair dance.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

I stop and sit on the ledge that keeps all the fake plants at bay, beside his wheelchair, refusing to look at his face.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali