wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈ(h)wēl-ˌcher 

: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled persons

Examples of wheelchair in a Sentence

He was in a wheelchair for several months after the accident.

Recent Examples on the Web

Accessibility This property is not currently accessible for wheelchair users. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026

Construction crews are in the process of replacing the desks, eliminating steps, creating more wheelchair-accessible seating for the public and widening walkways. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026

Jackson was honored as a civil rights icon at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, appearing on stage in a wheelchair and receiving a standing ovation. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

The best dog wheelchair is the K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wheelchair

• wheelchair ramp

Rhymes for wheelchair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair -ˌche(ə)r 

-ˌcha(ə)r

: a chair with wheels used especially by sick, injured, or disabled people to get about

Medical Definition

wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈhwē(ə)l-ˌche(ə)r, ˈwē(ə)l-, -ˌcha(ə)r 

: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled individuals