noun

airspeed

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Airspeed (noun) means an aircraft's speed measured relative to the air it is moving through, rather than relative to the ground. Example: “The pilot adjusted throttle to maintain a safe airspeed during the approach.”

noun

An aircraft's speed measured relative to the air it is moving through, rather than relative to the ground.

"The pilot adjusted throttle to maintain a safe airspeed during the approach."

How to use airspeed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow fast a plane is flying through the air, which can differ from its ground speed because of wind.

Common mistake

Airspeed is not the same as ground speed — a headwind or tailwind changes how fast a plane covers ground even if its airspeed stays constant.

Easily confused with

ground speed

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: airspeeds

Test yourself on “airspeed” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pilot adjusted throttle to maintain a safe _____ during the approach.

Etymology

From air + speed, a technical aviation term distinguishing motion through air from motion over the ground.

Rhymes for airspeed

feed seed reed deed need heed weed peed bleed breed speed creed

See all rhymes for airspeed →

Frequently asked questions

What does “airspeed” mean?

The word “airspeed” means an aircraft's speed measured relative to the air it is moving through, rather than relative to the ground. In plain terms, how fast a plane is flying through the air, which can differ from its ground speed because of wind.

How do you use “airspeed” in a sentence?

Here is “airspeed” used in a sentence: “The pilot adjusted throttle to maintain a safe airspeed during the approach.”

What part of speech is “airspeed”?

“Airspeed” is a noun.

What is the meaning of airspeed?

"airspeed" (noun) means an aircraft's speed measured relative to the air it is moving through, rather than relative to the ground.