plane

noun (1)

Save Word

\ ˈplān

Definition of plane

(Entry 1 of 6)

1a [by shortening] : airplane

b : one of the main supporting surfaces of an airplane

2a : a surface in which if any two points are chosen a straight line joining them lies wholly in that surface

b : a flat or level surface

3 : a level of existence, consciousness, or development on the intellectual plane

plane

verb (1)

planed; planing

Definition of plane (Entry 2 of 6)

transitive verb

1a : to make smooth or even : level

b : to make smooth or even by use of a plane

2 : to remove by or as if by planing —often used with away or off

intransitive verb

1 : to work with a plane

2 : to do the work of a plane

plane

noun (2)

Definition of plane (Entry 3 of 6)

: a tool for smoothing or shaping a wood surface

plane

noun (3)

Definition of plane (Entry 4 of 6)

: any of a genus (Platanus of the family Platanaceae, the plane-tree family) of chiefly deciduous trees with large palmately lobed leaves, flowers in globose heads, and usually scaling bark

— called also buttonwood, plane tree, sycamore

plane

verb (2)

planed; planing

Definition of plane (Entry 5 of 6)

intransitive verb

1a : to fly while keeping the wings motionless

b : to skim across the surface of the water

2 : to travel by airplane

plane

adjective

Definition of plane (Entry 6 of 6)

1 : having no elevations or depressions : flat

2a : of, relating to, or dealing with geometric planes

b : lying in a plane a plane curve

Other Words from plane Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Phrases Containing plane Learn More About plane

Synonyms & Antonyms for plane

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for plane

Adjective

level, flat, plane, even, smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon. the vast prairies are nearly level flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions. the work surface must be flat plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface. the plane sides of a crystal even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight. trim the hedge so it is even smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities. a smooth skating rink

Examples of plane in a Sentence

Adjective you can do these tracings on any plane surface

First Known Use of plane

Noun (1)

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for plane

Noun (1)

Latin planum, from neuter of planus level

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French planer, from Late Latin planare, from Latin planus level — more at floor

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin plana, from planare

Noun (3)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin platanus, from Greek platanos; probably akin to Greek platys broad — more at place

Verb (2)

Middle English, from Middle French planer, from plain level, plain

Adjective

Latin planus

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best travel backpacks.

Learn More About plane

Dictionary Entries Near plane

plandok

plane

plane angle

Statistics for plane

Cite this Entry

“Plane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plane. Accessed 6 Jul. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for plane

plane

noun

\ ˈplān

Kids Definition of plane

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : airplane

2 : a surface in which if any two points are chosen a straight line joining them lies completely in that surface

3 : a level of thought, existence, or development The two stories are not on the same plane.

4 : a level or flat surface a horizontal plane

plane

adjective

Kids Definition of plane (Entry 2 of 4)

: horizontal entry 1, flat a plane surface

plane

noun

Kids Definition of plane (Entry 3 of 4)

: a tool that smooths wood by shaving off thin strips

plane

verb

planed; planing

Kids Definition of plane (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : to smooth or level off with a tool made for smoothing

2 : to remove with or as if with a tool for smoothing wood

plane

noun

\ ˈplān

Medical Definition of plane

1a : a surface that contains at least three points not all in a straight line and is such that a line drawn through any two points in it lies wholly in the surface

b : an imaginary plane used to identify parts of the body or a part of the skull — see frankfort horizontal plane, midsagittal plane

2 : a stage in surgical anesthesia a light plane of anesthesia is maintained with cyclopropane — Journal of the American Medical Association