aircraft — any vehicle that can fly through the air, including airplanes, helicopters, and gliders
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: any vehicle that can fly through the air, including airplanes, helicopters, and gliders
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈerkræft/
Example Sentences
- The pilot checked the aircraft three times before takeoff because he didn't want any 'plane' problems.
- Several aircraft were grounded due to bad weather conditions.
- The new aircraft design promises to reduce fuel consumption by 30%.
aircraft
NOUN[/ˈerkræft/]
any vehicle that can fly through the air, including airplanes, helicopters, and gliders

A huge aircraft roars down the runway and lifts into the morning sky.

Aircraft and spacecraft sharing the sky!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Aircraft is a compound word formed in the 1910s, combining 'air' (atmosphere) and 'craft' (a product of skilled work or technique). The term emerged to denote a man-made vehicle capable of flight through the air.
Breakdown
air (atmosphere) + craft (skilled work, technique). The compound merges the medium of operation (air) with the nature of the object (a manufactured vessel or device).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pilot checked the aircraft three times before takeoff because he didn't want any 'plane' problems.”
“Several aircraft were grounded due to bad weather conditions.”
“The new aircraft design promises to reduce fuel consumption by 30%.”
“My cat thinks every aircraft overhead is a flying treat dispenser.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.