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.
In addition to fighter jets and helicopters, the aircraft carrier can be defended by destroyers, frigates and submarines against threats in the air, at sea and underwater. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 San Diego is one of the few places in the world that is home to three aircraft carriers. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025 The government reopened after legislation was passed that didn’t include funding for the aircraft carrier, or for water projects that Carter opposed on similar grounds. Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 The president visits aircraft carrier to celebrate the Navy's 250th anniversary. Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 5 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aircraft carrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aircraft%20carrier. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

aircraft carrier

noun
: a warship with a deck from which aircraft can take off and on which they can land
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!