Definition of Airplane
Quick Meaning of Airplane
A large vehicle with wings that flies through the sky carrying people and things.
Detailed Definition of Airplane
A powered aircraft with fixed wings designed to carry passengers and cargo through the air.
How to Pronounce Airplane
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Two syllables: AIR-plane. First syllable gets the stress and rhymes with 'care'. Second syllable rhymes with 'rain'.
Watch out: Occasionally shortened to just 'plane' in casual speech; both are correct, but 'airplane' is the complete formal term.
Origin and Etymology of Airplane
From 'air' + 'plane' (short for 'aeroplane'), combining air with the flat surface (plane) of wings.
How to Use Airplane in a Sentence
Each example shows “airplane” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The airplane took off at 8 o'clock in the morning.”
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“All passengers must stay seated while the airplane is landing.”
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“Modern airplanes use advanced navigation systems and fuel-efficient engines to reduce carbon emissions.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Airplane
Common Synonyms for Airplane
Smart Synonyms for Airplane — When to Use Each
- plane
- in casual conversation and informal writing
- aircraft
- in formal technical and regulatory contexts
- jet
- for fast commercial planes with jet engines
Common Collocations with Airplane
These phrases pair with “airplane” in everyday English:
- board an airplane
- miss the airplane
- airplane seat
- airplane window
- airplane mode
Common Mistakes When Using Airplane
Even fluent speakers slip up with “airplane”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I arrived at the airport by a airplane.
- ✓ Correct: I arrived at the airport by airplane.
- Why: With transportation methods, use 'by' without the article: 'by airplane', not 'by a airplane'.
- ✗ Wrong: She waited for the airplane to departing.
- ✓ Correct: She waited for the airplane to depart.
- Why: After 'for + noun + to', use the base verb form, not the gerund: 'to depart', not 'to departing'.
Words Confused With Airplane
- Airplane vs Airport: An airport is a place where airplanes land and take off; an airplane is the aircraft itself. Compare →
Other Forms of Airplane
- Noun: airplane
Frequently Asked Questions About Airplane
What is the meaning of "Airplane"?
A large vehicle with wings that flies through the sky carrying people and things.
How do you pronounce "Airplane"?
The IPA is /ˈeəpleɪn/. Two syllables: AIR-plane. First syllable gets the stress and rhymes with 'care'. Second syllable rhymes with 'rain'.
What part of speech is "Airplane"?
"Airplane" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Airplane"?
Common synonyms include plane, aircraft, jet.
How do you use "Airplane" in a sentence?
For example: "The airplane took off at 8 o'clock in the morning."