as in helicopter
a vehicle for traveling through the air that obtains its lift from rotors which spin horizontally from the sky a police whirlybird was able to track the fleeing carjacker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of whirlybird The sleek, dark-green whirlybird, with its luxe leather interior, sat in front of Airbus’s static display at the National Business Aviation Association’s BACE conference in Orlando. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2022 The result is a whirlybird that’s quieter than usual, but also potentially safer. Rob Verger and Charlie Wood, Popular Science, 2 Dec. 2020 Mars’ atmosphere is thin, so the extraterrestrial whirlybird needed some special modifications to achieve lift. Hailey Rose McLaughlin, Discover Magazine, 4 Sep. 2019 At its factory in Cambodia, Outland Denim uses a method of heat extraction involving breezeways and a roof ventilation device known as a whirlybird. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirlybird
Noun
  • The whole family can climb sand dunes, stargaze, fly in hot air balloons, and take helicopter trips to the dramatic Skeleton Coast.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Firefighting efforts include 155 engines, 34 water tenders, two helicopters, 21 dozers and 55 hand crews.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Levine Cava on Thursday announced an attempt at compromise by moving back about half of the chopper budget to the countywide tax, with the rest going back in 2026.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The game was tied 3-3 in the top of the seventh with one out and a runner on first base when Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson hit a weak chopper back over the pitcher’s mound.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whirlybird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirlybird. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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