noun
airman
EH-uh-muhn
noun
1
A pilot or crew member of an aircraft.
"The airman radioed the tower for permission to land."
2
A member of an air force, especially one holding a junior enlisted rank.
"He enlisted as an airman straight out of high school."
How to Use Airman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who flies aircraft for a living, or a junior member of an air force.
When to use it
In US and UK military contexts, "Airman" is also a specific junior rank, not just a general term for aircrew.
Common pairings
a junior airman
airman first class
a decorated airman
Word Forms
airmen plural
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The _____ radioed the tower for permission to land.
Etymology
A compound of air and man, formed the same way as "seaman" was for the navy.