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whirlybirds

noun

plural of whirlybird
as in helicopters
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 whirlybirds 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirlybirds
  1. helicopters
  2. choppers
Noun
  • Tammy Rose, a longtime journalist for more than 20 years, was at KPNX in Phoenix in 2007 when the two television helicopters collided and has survived some harrowing incidents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • But the nature of the work in both news and police helicopters increases their risk, Anthony said.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of helicopters
Noun
  • But Cress points out that for news helicopters, and police choppers, hovering and maintaining low altitude is a common practice.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Throughout Friday, choppers took off and landing constantly from the Trishuli barracks.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of choppers

Browse Nearby Words

whirlybird
whirlybirds
whirred
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Cite this Entry

“Whirlybirds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirlybirds. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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