aircraft

noun

air·​craft ˈer-ˌkraft How to pronounce aircraft (audio)
plural aircraft
Synonyms of aircraftnext
often attributive
: a vehicle (such as an airplane or balloon) for traveling through the air

Examples of aircraft in a Sentence

a company that manufactures aircraft
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Modular systems extend aircraft life A key part of the modernization is the use of commercial off-the-shelf technology. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 The distinctive frame already resembles the aircraft that will eventually soar through Titan’s dense orange skies, complete with landing skids, support arms for its eight rotors and the housing for its nuclear power system. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The airline will also retrofit aircraft so passengers in all cabins will be able to use the screens and other additions like Bluetooth audio pairing and USB-C charging. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 Retrofits will begin in 2028 and are expected to be completed in the early 2030s, while new Airbus and Boeing aircraft with the screens will also begin arriving in 2028. — Rajesh Kumar Singh, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aircraft

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aircraft was in 1845

Phrases Containing aircraft

Rhymes for aircraft

See All Rhymes for aircraft

Browse Nearby Words

air cover
aircraft
aircraft carrier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aircraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aircraft. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aircraft

noun
air·​craft ˈa(ə)r-ˌkraft How to pronounce aircraft (audio)
ˈe(ə)r-
plural aircraft
: a machine (as an airplane, glider, or helicopter) that can travel through the air and that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the action of the air against its surfaces
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