wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈ(h)wēl-ˌcher 

: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled persons

Examples of wheelchair in a Sentence

He was in a wheelchair for several months after the accident.

Recent Examples on the Web

The couple saw people in wheelchairs and on beds, with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and bed sheets for warmth. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

So how does a mom of four, including a young man in a wheelchair, end up in an SUV relying on the kindness of others to keep their lives – and even their vehicle – going? —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025

Advertisement The 88-year-old pope, who has battled health problems including long bouts of bronchitis, often has to use a wheelchair because of bad knees. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Since 2022, the pope has made use of a wheelchair due to mobility problems caused by pain in his knee. —Christopher Lamb, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wheelchair

• wheelchair ramp

Kids Definition

wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair -ˌche(ə)r 

-ˌcha(ə)r

: a chair with wheels used especially by sick, injured, or disabled people to get about

Medical Definition

wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈhwē(ə)l-ˌche(ə)r, ˈwē(ə)l-, -ˌcha(ə)r 

: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled individuals