Definition of whirlybirdnext
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 Of course, there’s more to it than simply getting a nod from over half a dozen nations to order a job lot of whirlybirds. — David Szondy february 24, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026 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
  • Along the way Leo will take 12 flights, including two helicopter rides, give 36 speeches and visit 10 cities including Cusco, Peru, which sits more than 11,000 feet above sea level.
    — Carrie Kahn, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Across 161 training events, the two militaries practiced coordinated operations using naval vessels, aircraft and helicopters.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Williamson, who had been one for 15 in the postseason, hit a chopper over first baseman Jake Bauers and into right field.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • With Chourio and Yelich having reached on a hit and walk, Contreras hit a chopper to third base, but replay showed Yelich beat the throw from a spinning Caminero at second, setting up a bases loaded situation.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whirlybird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirlybird. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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