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aircraft carrier

noun

: a warship with a flight deck on which aircraft can be launched and landed

Examples of aircraft carrier in a Sentence

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.
Chinese analysts argue this gives the system a high probability of penetrating defensive layers around aircraft carrier groups. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025 In addition to land targets, the Chinese military can strike vessels, including aircraft carriers, around the first island chain using DF-21D medium-range anti-ship ballistic missiles. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025 Recently, Ukraine launched smaller bomber drones from a USV, essentially a small drone aircraft carrier, that blasted Russian radars in Crimea, according to the Ukrainian military. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025 Thailand’s only aircraft carrier, Chakri Naruebet, set out from its home port on Tuesday to provide air support, medical assistance and meals in the relief efforts, the navy said. Reuters, NBC news, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aircraft carrier

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aircraft carrier was in 1917

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Cite this Entry

“Aircraft carrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aircraft%20carrier. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

aircraft carrier

noun
: a warship with a deck from which aircraft can take off and on which they can land
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