Aircraft
/ˈɛərkræft/
nounBeginnerVery CommonTechnology
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
A vehicle designed for air travel, such as a plane, helicopter, or airship.
/ˈɛərkræft/
nounneutralBeginner
Technology
A machine that can fly
Several aircraft were delayed due to fog.
💡 Simply: Something that flies
More Examples
2
The new aircraft boasts impressive fuel efficiency.
How It's Used
Aviation
"The aircraft landed safely despite the storm."
Military
"The military aircraft conducted surveillance missions."
From air + craft. 'Craft' in this context refers to a skilled creation or vehicle, a meaning dating back to the Middle English era. The word 'aircraft' emerged with the development of flying machines in the early 20th century.
Initially used to refer to dirigibles and other early flying machines, the term 'aircraft' broadened to encompass all powered flying vehicles.
Memory tip
Think 'air' and 'craft' – a skillfully made vehicle for the air.
Practice
Base: craft
aircarftair craftaircrat
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written