helicopter

word

/ˈhɛɫɪˌkɑptɝ/
HE-li-kahp-tur
/hˈɛlɪkˌɒptɐ/
HE-li-kop-tuh

Definition

A helicopter is an aircraft with large rotating blades on top that allow it to go up and down vertically and hover in one place. It is often used for rescue, transport, news reporting, and military operations.

Usage & Nuances

More specific than 'plane': a helicopter can 'hover', 'land on a roof', and 'take off vertically'. Common collocations include 'helicopter pilot', 'helicopter ride', 'rescue helicopter', and 'military helicopter'. In informal use, 'helicopter parent' is a separate expression meaning an overly controlling parent.

Example Sentences

The helicopter is flying over the city.

basic

We saw a helicopter at the hospital.

basic

The rescue team came by helicopter.

basic

A news helicopter was hovering over the stadium before the game.

natural

I could hear a helicopter circling above us for almost an hour.

natural

They had to airlift him by helicopter after the accident.

natural