aircraft
EH-uh-krahft
Aircraft (noun) means any vehicle capable of flying through the air, such as an airplane or helicopter. Example: “A small aircraft landed on the grass strip behind the farm.”
noun
1
Any vehicle capable of flying through the air, such as an airplane or helicopter.
"A small aircraft landed on the grass strip behind the farm."
"Every aircraft must be checked carefully before it takes off."
"The airport handles hundreds of aircraft each day."
How to use aircraft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general term for airplanes, helicopters, and similar flying vehicles.
Common mistake
The plural is the same as the singular: "aircraft," not "aircrafts."
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Word forms
- Plural
- aircrafts
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A small _____ landed on the grass strip behind the farm.
Etymology
From "air" plus "-craft" (as in "watercraft").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “aircraft” mean?
The word “aircraft” means any vehicle capable of flying through the air, such as an airplane or helicopter. In plain terms, a general term for airplanes, helicopters, and similar flying vehicles.
How do you pronounce “aircraft”?
“Aircraft” is pronounced EH-uh-krahft (/ˈɛɚ.kɹæft/ in IPA).
How do you use “aircraft” in a sentence?
Here is “aircraft” used in a sentence: “The airport handles hundreds of aircraft each day.”
What is another word for “aircraft”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aircraft” include aerocraft and flying machine.
What part of speech is “aircraft”?
“Aircraft” is a noun.
Is “aircraft” a common word?
“Aircraft” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an aircraft and an airplane?
Aircraft is the broad term for any machine that flies — including helicopters, gliders, airships, and drones. An airplane, or aeroplane, is one specific type: a powered aircraft with fixed wings. So every airplane is an aircraft, but not every aircraft is an airplane, since many fly without fixed wings.
What is the plural of aircraft?
The plural of aircraft is simply 'aircraft' — it stays the same whether you mean one or many, as in 'one aircraft, two aircraft.' The form 'aircrafts' is a common error and is not standard English. The word behaves like 'sheep' or 'series,' which also do not change.
What are the types of aircraft?
Aircraft fall into two broad groups. Heavier-than-air types include airplanes, helicopters, gliders, and drones, which use wings or rotors to generate lift. Lighter-than-air types include hot-air balloons and airships, which float using gas. Each is built for different speeds, ranges, and purposes.
What is an example of an aircraft?
Common examples include passenger jets, private planes, helicopters, gliders, hot-air balloons, and drones. Any vehicle built to travel through the air under control counts as an aircraft, whether it carries hundreds of passengers across oceans or is small enough to fit in one hand.
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