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 of helicopter

Noun

• chopper

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

Some of the polling stations are high up in remote mountain villages, which are accessible only by days of hiking, leading authorities to arrange the transport of ballot boxes by helicopter to counting centers. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

Con Fire said firefighters called in a helicopter to assist in the cyclist's evacuation. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Verb

Workers have reported feeling hungry, frustrated and mistreated, with some now discussing paying out of their own pockets to helicopter a food drop into the remote area. —Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

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