aircraft

noun

air·​craft ˈer-ˌkraft 

plural aircraft

often attributive

: a vehicle (such as an airplane or balloon) for traveling through the air

Examples of aircraft in a Sentence

a company that manufactures aircraft

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike conventional unmanned combat aerial vehicles, KIZILELMA is being developed as an unmanned fighter aircraft capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

The aircraft is equipped with eight electric motors and a turbo-generator that recharges the batteries while in flight, thereby eliminating the need for charging infrastructure on land. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 July 2026

Like most airlines, business class varies depending on the route and aircraft type. — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

The Relax Row will be outfitted on all of United Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft, starting with 90 planes at launch in 2027. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aircraft

• aircraft carrier
• rotary-wing aircraft

Rhymes for aircraft

• abaft
• camshaft
• crankshaft
• downdraft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft
• schoolcraft
• spacecraft
• stagecraft
• statecraft
• updraft

Kids Definition

aircraft

noun

air·​craft ˈa(ə)r-ˌkraft 

ˈe(ə)r-

plural aircraft

: a machine (as an airplane, glider, or helicopter) that can travel through the air and that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the action of the air against its surfaces