aircraft

word

/ˈɛɹˌkɹæft/
AIR-kraft
/ˈeəkɹɑːft/
AIR-krahft

Definition

An aircraft is any vehicle that can fly through the air, such as a plane or helicopter. It is a general, often technical word used in aviation.

Usage & Nuances

More formal and technical than 'plane'. 'Aircraft' can refer to one vehicle or several vehicles, so both 'an aircraft' and 'many aircraft' are correct. Common collocations: 'military aircraft', 'commercial aircraft', 'aircraft carrier'.

Example Sentences

The aircraft is ready to take off.

basic

We saw a small aircraft in the sky.

basic

That aircraft carries 200 passengers.

basic

This company builds parts for commercial aircraft.

natural

The airport was closed after an aircraft made an emergency landing.

natural

Military aircraft were flying over the city all morning.

natural