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 The building incorporates universal design throughout, featuring step-free entrances to all of the restaurants, wide doorways, accessible guest rooms with barrier-free bathrooms, and a wheelchair accessible lift from the shower room to the pool area. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026

One of the men was taken off the aircraft in a wheelchair, while others carried their luggage in what appeared to be military-style bags. —ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026

As cruise line staff took her back to her room in the wheelchair, the woman drifted in and out of consciousness, the complaint said. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026

Other times, congregate shelters are either intensely policed or crime ridden, not wheelchair accessible, and not accommodating of gender identity. —Deborah Berkman, New York Daily News, 24 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