helicopter

1 of 2

noun

he·​li·​cop·​ter ˈhe-lə-ˌkäp-tər How to pronounce helicopter (audio)
ˈhē-
: an aircraft whose lift is derived from the aerodynamic forces acting on one or more powered rotors turning about substantially vertical axes

helicopter

2 of 2

verb

helicoptered; helicoptering; helicopters

intransitive verb

: to travel by helicopter

transitive verb

: to transport by helicopter

Examples of helicopter in a Sentence

Noun took a helicopter tour to get a better sense of the grandeur of the Grand Canyon
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Alongside the post, the Civil Guard shared a video of Civil Guard members getting into a helicopter and flying to the resort. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025 Image Image Los Angeles is one of the more challenging parts of the country for flying helicopters. Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
When Mangione waived extradition from Pennsylvania last week, he was quickly moved to New York City, arriving by plane and then helicopter on his way to face federal charges. Adam Reiss, NBC News, 23 Dec. 2024 So instead of giving in to the temptation to helicopter over them, Dr. Lira de la Rosa suggests asking yourself what, exactly, is behind your urge to invade their privacy. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 5 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for helicopter 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French hélicoptère, from Greek heliko- + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of helicopter was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near helicopter

Cite this Entry

“Helicopter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helicopter. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

helicopter

noun
he·​li·​cop·​ter
ˈhel-ə-ˌkäp-tər,
ˈhē-lə-
: an aircraft that is supported in the air by propellers revolving on a vertical axis

More from Merriam-Webster on helicopter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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