helicopter

1 of 2

noun

he·​li·​cop·​ter ˈhe-lə-ˌkäp-tər 

ˈhē-

: an aircraft whose lift is derived from the aerodynamic forces acting on one or more powered rotors turning about substantially vertical axes

helicopter

2 of 2

verb

helicoptered; helicoptering; helicopters

intransitive verb

: to travel by helicopter

transitive verb

: to transport by helicopter

Synonyms

Noun

• chopper
• copter
• eggbeater
• helo
• whirlybird

Examples of helicopter in a Sentence

Noun

took a helicopter tour to get a better sense of the grandeur of the Grand Canyon

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sheriff’s deputies started their search by using a drone and the help of a California Highway Patrol helicopter, then called in searchers from the agency’s Emergency Services Bureau — sworn officers and others who had volunteered for specialized training to find missing persons. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

Participants can hire an army of videographers to follow them via boat, bicycle, or helicopter. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 9 Nov. 2024

Verb

So instead of giving in to the temptation to helicopter over them, Dr. Lira de la Rosa suggests asking yourself what, exactly, is behind your urge to invade their privacy. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 5 July 2024

There are helicopter parents and then there are parents who helicopter. —Derek Blasberg, WSJ, 25 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French hélicoptère, from Greek heliko- + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing helicopter

• helicopter parent

Kids Definition

helicopter

noun

he·​li·​cop·​ter

ˈhel-ə-ˌkäp-tər,

ˈhē-lə-

: an aircraft that is supported in the air by propellers revolving on a vertical axis