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

Lungs whirred about the room in an electric wheelchair festooned in feather boas and Christmas lights, studiously avoiding serious questions about whether his conveyance was a tasteless prop or a medical necessity. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

Dues, 54, gathered herself then pushed hard, propelling the wheelchair that carried her injured niece to the polls. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

By age 4, Cory relied on a power wheelchair that required an accessible van. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

The testimony also addressed the experiences of Sandra Jean-Pierre, a Black law student who uses a wheelchair and shared a class with Carvajal. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Clearly, as both the Enterprise captain on deck and the mutant leader who used a wheelchair, the actor’s distinct and resonating voice held the attention of audiences and Stewart’s fellow actors. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026

Someone expressed appreciation that airlines are now more accommodating to wheelchair travelers. — Rebekah Taussig, Time, 28 Oct. 2026

Lawson was in a wheelchair next to a bed facing Cyrus, who appeared to be struggling to breathe. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026

There are also commander and pilot seats, including one that is wheelchair accessible. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 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