interjection
wilco
WIHL-koh
Wilco (interjection) means used in radio and military communication to confirm that an instruction has been received and will be carried out. Example: “Return to base immediately." "Wilco.”
interjection
1
Used in radio and military communication to confirm that an instruction has been received and will be carried out.
""Return to base immediately." "Wilco.""
"The pilot radioed back a quick "wilco" and changed course."
verb
1
To respond with "wilco," confirming that an order will be followed.
"He wilcoed the command and began his descent."
How to use wilco
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA radio-style way of saying "got it, I'll do it" — mostly heard in aviation, military, and CB radio chatter.
When to use it
Almost entirely confined to radio/military jargon; using it in ordinary conversation reads as a deliberate joke or affectation.
Common pairings
roger, wilco
wilco and out
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Word forms
- Plural
- wilcos
- Third person singular
- wilcos
- Past tense
- wilcoed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Return to base immediately." "_____."
Etymology
A military radio blend of "will comply," shortened for fast, clear voice communication.
Frequently asked questions
What does “wilco” mean?
The word “wilco” means used in radio and military communication to confirm that an instruction has been received and will be carried out. In plain terms, a radio-style way of saying "got it, I'll do it" — mostly heard in aviation, military, and CB radio chatter.
How do you pronounce “wilco”?
“Wilco” is pronounced WIHL-koh (/ˈwɪl.koʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wilco” in a sentence?
Here is “wilco” used in a sentence: “"Return to base immediately." "Wilco.".”
What part of speech is “wilco”?
Depending on how it is used, “wilco” can be an interjection and a verb.
How many meanings does “wilco” have?
“Wilco” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used in radio and military communication to confirm that an instruction has been received and will be carried out.
