airplane
ˈɛəpleɪn
noun
Origin
English
air + plane — a craft that traverses the air
Overview
Meaning Now
- A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces.
Literal older meaning
air + plane (level surface)
Language path
Greek → Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
airplane
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The term 'airplane' gained prominence in the United States during the early 20th century to distinguish motorized fixed-wing aircraft from airships and gliders. While 'aeroplane' was preferred in British English for many years due to its French etymological roots, 'airplane' became the standard term in North America.
Evolution
- 14th century (plane)
plain
“flat surface”
Derived from Latin 'planus'.
- 19th century (airplane)
airplane
“flying machine”
Coined in the United States as a compound descriptive term.
Connections
Word parts
air
root
atmosphere
plane
root
flat surface
Related across languages
French
aéroplane
airplane
Explore next
Related to airplane
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.