Flight Attendant: Definition, Role, and Examples

Meaning 1：cabin crew member (flight attendant)

flight attendant 🔊

/ˈflaɪt əˌtendənt/

A person whose job is to take care of passengers on an airplane, helping with safety and comfort.

Flight attendant in uniform serving drinks to passengers on airplane

cabin crew member 🔊

➕

/ˈkæbɪn kruː ˈmembər/

A professional who ensures passenger safety and comfort during an airplane journey, performing duties such as demonstrating safety procedures, serving meals, and responding to emergencies.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Compound of 'flight' (journey by air) + 'attendant' (one who serves or assists).

💡 Mnemonic

A flight attendant attends to passengers on a flight – both start with 'at'.

📖 Example

"Could you help me put this bag in the overhead bin?" asked the passenger, and the friendly flight attendant quickly assisted. 🔊 "Could you help me put this bag in the overhead bin?" asked the passenger, and the friendly flight attendant quickly assisted.

🔗 Collocations

call the flight attendant – To summon a flight attendant for assistance

flight attendant uniform – The distinctive clothing worn by flight attendants

experienced flight attendant – A flight attendant with many years of service

🔄 Synonyms

cabin crew (n.) – The staff members who work in the passenger cabin of an aircraft

air steward (n.) – A male flight attendant (less common now)

air hostess (n.) – A female flight attendant (dated term)

🚫 Antonyms

passenger (n.) – A person who travels in an aircraft but does not work as crew

pilot (n.) – The person who flies the aircraft, distinct from cabin crew

🌱 Derivatives

flight attending (n.) – The occupation or duties of a flight attendant

attendant (n.) – A person who accompanies or serves others

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'flight attendant' emerged in the mid-20th century as a gender-neutral replacement for 'stewardess' or 'steward', reflecting the increasing professionalism and diversity of airline cabin crew.