helicopter

1 of 2

noun

he·​li·​cop·​ter ˈhe-lə-ˌkäp-tər 

ˈhē-

: an aircraft whose lift is derived from the aerodynamic forces acting on one or more powered rotors turning about substantially vertical axes

helicopter

2 of 2

verb

helicoptered; helicoptering; helicopters

intransitive verb

: to travel by helicopter

transitive verb

: to transport by helicopter

Synonyms

Noun

• chopper
• copter
• eggbeater
• helo
• whirlybird

Examples of helicopter in a Sentence

Noun

took a helicopter tour to get a better sense of the grandeur of the Grand Canyon

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The fire is fought by 10 engines, two water tenders, one helicopter, two dozers and one hand crew. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025

Police helicopters hovered as marchers wove between vehicles. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

Verb

Unfortunately for fans of both shows, the crossover doesn't sound like an all-hands-on-deck situation, and the 118 won't be joining Athena for this particular outing — especially without a certain someone to helicopter them in. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 20 Feb. 2025

Unfortunately for fans of both shows, the crossover doesn't sound like an all-hands-on-deck situation, and the 118 won't be joining Athena for this particular outing — especially without a certain someone to helicopter them in. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French hélicoptère, from Greek heliko- + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing helicopter

• helicopter parent

Rhymes for helicopter

• adopter
• copter

Kids Definition

helicopter

noun

he·​li·​cop·​ter

ˈhel-ə-ˌkäp-tər,

ˈhē-lə-

: an aircraft that is supported in the air by propellers revolving on a vertical axis