wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈ(h)wēl-ˌcher How to pronounce wheelchair (audio)
: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled persons

Examples of wheelchair in a Sentence

He was in a wheelchair for several months after the accident.
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.
Elevators service the first, second, and third floors, and both the lobby and restaurant are fully wheelchair accessible. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 In images shared by his father online since the fight, he was often pictured in a wheelchair. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Hudson-Peralta, a designer, speaker, and disability advocate, was born with no hands and uses a wheelchair. — Greg Uyeno, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026 Gregory Petry, who has ALS, relies on a wheelchair to get around. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wheelchair

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wheelchair was circa 1684

Phrases Containing wheelchair

Rhymes for wheelchair

See All Rhymes for wheelchair

Browse Nearby Words

wheel chain
wheelchair
wheelchair ramp
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wheelchair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wheelchair. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wheelchair

noun
wheel·​chair -ˌche(ə)r How to pronounce wheelchair (audio)
-ˌcha(ə)r
: a chair with wheels used especially by sick, injured, or disabled people to get about

Medical Definition

wheelchair

noun
wheel·​chair ˈhwē(ə)l-ˌche(ə)r, ˈwē(ə)l-, -ˌcha(ə)r How to pronounce wheelchair (audio)
: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled individuals

More from Merriam-Webster on wheelchair

Nglish: Translation of wheelchair for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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