helicopter

[hel-i-kop-ter, hee-li-]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to fly in a helicopter.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey in a helicopter.

helicopter

/ 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

verb

1. to transport (people or things) or (of people or things) to be transported by helicopter

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter¹

From the French word hélicoptère, dating back to 1885–90. See helico-, -pter

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter¹

C19: from French hélicoptère, from _helico- + Greek pteron wing

Example Sentences

The blaze had grown to 200 acres by 8 p.m., leading authorities to expand evacuation warnings as hand crews and a firefighting helicopter worked to combat the flames.

From Los Angeles Times

It touched down in places such as Vietnam and Alaska and ended with a helicopter ride to safety for Montgomery and a sober but ultimately uplifting lesson in wilderness survival rules for Troop 26.

From Los Angeles Times

A second earthquake of magnitude 5.5 on Tuesday temporarily halted rescue operations, which have mostly been conducted by helicopters as debris from landslides cuts off access to remote villages.

From BBC

A security detail was captured outside Harris’ Brentwood home by a FOX 11 helicopter as the station broke the story of the use of L.A. police.

From Los Angeles Times

When he spoke to Mrs Page, she reminded him of a visit he had made to the Midlands in the 1970s - when he had flown a helicopter there.

From BBC

Related Words

• chopper