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aeroplane

aeroplane

14 1.3
A machine with wings and an engine that flies to carry people or goods
  • noun
  • /ˈɛəroʊˌpleɪn/
  • UK
translation icon : avión
  • In the future of the aeroplane for commerce, to carry mail, to carry passengers, perhaps express.

And the PLO headquarters was bombed by Israeli airplanes in Tunis.

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Examples

  • Twelve aeroplanes in perfect formation, like a flight of wild ducks, came overhead.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The aeroplane soared through the clouds during its flight to Paris.

  • OK, so I am currently setting up my aeroplane because I miss going on holiday.

  • So we wait for the aeroplane to come over the mountain; the stars on a clear night are so beautiful.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Her father lifted his head, and she saw the aeroplane was returning.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • I'm the first one in my family that ever rode in an aeroplane.

  • I'm gonna get a radio-controlled aeroplane for Christmas.

  • The unmistakable buzz of an aeroplane distracts them.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Joseph sat back, his feet dangling from the aeroplane seat, and looked at the largely uneaten food on the tray.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • In the aeroplane on the way back to Istanbul, Orhan said to Gillian:

    Fiction book (1994)

Synonyms

plane
vsaeroplane
1.0

A flying machine with wings that carries people

is the technical definition stressing being heavier than the air displaced
airplane
vsaeroplane
  • US
877 1.0

A flying machine with fixed wings that carries people or goods through the air

is focused on the formal heavier than air technical propulsion definition
aircraft
vsaeroplane
818 2.5

A machine that flies like an airplane or helicopter

is restricted to powered fixed wing machines heavier than the air they displace

How Big

jumbo jet
9 3.0
airliner
58 2.6
aeroplane
  • UK
14 1.3
light plane
1 3.7
ultralight
  • Specialized
5 5.1

Surface Forms

aeroplane singular
aeroplanes plural
airplanes plural
airplane singular

Morphology

aeroplane = plane (transparent) = aero + plane

Formed by the combining form 'aero-' (air) attached to 'plane'; learners familiar with 'plane' and common 'aero-' compounds can infer the meaning.

Etymology

The word aeroplane comes from two parts: aero- meaning 'air' and plane meaning 'flat surface'. So an aeroplane is like a 'flat thing in the air', which helps you remember that its flat wings are what let it fly.