wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈ(h)wēl-ˌcher How to pronounce wheelchair (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the WellChild Awards in London on Monday, May 8, Harry, 40, chatted with 13-year-old Grace Tutt, a Special Recognition winner who uses a wheelchair following a bus crash. Erin Hill, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Some examples of disabilities include ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, hearing loss and wheelchair use. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025 Nearby, there are wheelchair-friendly spots for fishing. Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 Accessibility and Sustainability Gravel footpaths and uneven stone walkways mean this isn’t the most accessible property, though there is a room specifically designed for wheelchair users. Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wheelchair

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wheelchair was circa 1684

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wheelchair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wheelchair. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

wheelchair

noun
wheel·​chair -ˌche(ə)r How to pronounce wheelchair (audio)
-ˌcha(ə)r
: a chair with wheels used especially by sick, injured, or disabled people to get about

Medical Definition

wheelchair

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

More from Merriam-Webster on wheelchair

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!