English · Word Candidate

airplane

/ˈɛəˌpleɪ̯n/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: airplanes · airplaning · airplaned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings: a fixed-wing aircraft with at least one engine or electric motor.

NounRegister: US

Examples

on an airplane

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings: a fixed-wing aircraft with at least one engine or electric motor. — One that can carry a person or persons.

NounRegister: US

Examples

They use airplanes to deliver mail and supplies to the far northern villages.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To fly in an aeroplane.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To transport by aeroplane.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “airplane” mean?

A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings: a fixed-wing aircraft with at least one engine or electric motor.

Is “airplane” formal or informal?

airplane is generally US.