Helicopter Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：helicopter (helicopter)

helicopter 🔊

/ˈhɛlɪkɒptər/

A type of aircraft that can take off and land vertically using large spinning blades on top, often used for rescue or travel.

helicopter 🔊

➕

/ˈhɛlɪkɒptər/

An aircraft that uses rotating blades to take off and land vertically, and can hover in place.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'helix' (spiral) + 'pteron' (wing), literally 'spiral wing'.

💡 Mnemonic

Heli (spiral) + copter (wing) = Spiral wing that lifts off vertically.

📖 Example

During the flood, the helicopter quickly airlifted supplies to the isolated village. 🔊 During the flood, the helicopter quickly airlifted supplies to the isolated village.

🔗 Collocations

helicopter pad – A designated landing area for helicopters

helicopter rescue – Rescue operation performed using a helicopter

helicopter ride – A trip taken in a helicopter for sightseeing or transport

🔄 Synonyms

chopper (n.) – Informal term for a helicopter, often used in military or media contexts

rotorcraft (n.) – Any aircraft that uses rotating blades for lift, including helicopters and autogyros

whirlybird (n.) – A playful informal name for a helicopter, referencing the sound of its rotors

🚫 Antonyms

fixed-wing aircraft (n.) – An airplane or other aircraft with stationary wings, requiring forward motion for lift

🌱 Derivatives

helicoptering (n.) – The act of operating or traveling by helicopter

helicopterist (n.) – A person who pilots a helicopter

📖 Cultural Story

Coined by French inventor Gustave de Ponton d'Amécourt in 1861 from Greek roots. The first functional helicopter flew in 1936 by Heinrich Focke.