aircraft

noun

air·​craft ˈer-ˌkraft How to pronounce aircraft (audio)
plural aircraft
often attributive
Synonyms of aircraftnext
: a vehicle (such as an airplane or balloon) for traveling through the air

Examples of aircraft in a Sentence

a company that manufactures aircraft
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Harjono, the air force chief of staff, said the plan was for roadways to have 3,000-meter-long (almost two miles) sections where the military aircraft could land and take off. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026 The Pentagon reportedly flew drones and tested high-energy laser technology designed to counter unmanned aircraft. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026 Similar communication challenges led to some close calls between military aircraft and commercial flights in the Caribbean. Brian Dakss, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026 The 10-mile restriction included the neighboring community of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, but did not apply to aircraft flying above 18,000 feet. Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aircraft

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aircraft was in 1845

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aircraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aircraft. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

aircraft

noun
air·​craft ˈa(ə)r-ˌkraft How to pronounce aircraft (audio)
ˈe(ə)r-
plural aircraft
: a machine (as an airplane, glider, or helicopter) that can travel through the air and that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the action of the air against its surfaces
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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