airline

word

/ˈɛɹˌɫaɪn/
AIR-lyn
/ˈeəlaɪn/
AIR-lyn

Definition

A company that provides regular flights for passengers or cargo. It operates airplanes on set routes between different cities or countries.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used for a commercial company, not for a single plane or airport. Common collocations are 'book with an airline', 'major airline', 'budget airline', and 'national airline'. 'Airways' can appear in company names, but it is not usually a direct substitute in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

That airline has cheap tickets to Madrid.

basic

I called the airline about my flight.

basic

The airline lost our bags.

basic

Which airline are you flying with this time?

natural

I try to avoid that airline because their flights are always delayed.

natural

The airline offered us a hotel after the cancellation.

natural