aeroplane
gb/ˈɛɹˈɑplən/ us/ˈɛɹˈɑplən/
A2
English
~ 5100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Powered fixed-wing aircraft
A machine with wings and an engine that flies; British spelling of “airplane”.
Common mistake:
Spelling: aeroplane (UK) vs airplane (US). Article: use “an” before “aeroplane.” Preposition: say “on the aeroplane” to mean aboard, not “in the aeroplane.” Do not confuse with “aircraft,” which is both singular and plural (no “aircrafts”).
Synonyms
airplane (Standard US spelling; same object.)
|
plane (Short, very common informal form; same meaning.)
|
aircraft (Broader term including helicopters and other types.)
|
jet (A type of aeroplane powered by jet engines; not all aeroplanes are jets.)
Collocations
board an aeroplane
|pilot an aeroplane
|aeroplane crash
|model aeroplane
|paper aeroplane
|commercial aeroplane
Themes
transportation
|travel
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We watched the aeroplane lift off into the grey sky.
- She fell asleep on the aeroplane before take‑off.
- Our aeroplane was delayed by heavy fog.
- He learned to pilot a light aeroplane at a local airfield.
- The aeroplane made a smooth landing despite the crosswind.
Learner examples
- I took an aeroplane to London.
- The aeroplane landed at six.
- We sat on the aeroplane for an hour.
- He can fly an aeroplane.
Grammar
Expressions
aeroplane mode
1/ˈɛɹˈɑplən mˈoʊd/
fixed phrase
technical
Phone setting that disables wireless
A setting on a phone or tablet that turns off wireless signals for use on a flight.
Examples
- Please switch your phone to aeroplane mode before take‑off.
- I put my tablet in aeroplane mode to save battery.
board an aeroplane
1/bˈɔɹd ən ˈɛɹˈɑplən/
fixed phrase
Get on an aeroplane
To go onto an aeroplane before it leaves.
Examples
- Passengers will board the aeroplane at Gate 12.
- We boarded the aeroplane early because we needed extra time.
light aeroplane
1/lˈaɪt ˈɛɹˈɑplən/
fixed phrase
Small private/training aeroplane
A small, not heavy aeroplane used for private flying or lessons.
Examples
- He learned to fly in a light aeroplane.
- Only light aeroplanes can use that short runway.
model aeroplane
1/mˈɑdəl ˈɛɹˈɑplən/
fixed phrase
Scale replica of an aeroplane
A small copy of an aeroplane, often built from a kit or controlled by radio.
Examples
- He spends weekends building model aeroplanes.
- The shop sells radio‑controlled model aeroplanes.
paper aeroplane
1/pˈeɪpɚ ˈɛɹˈɑplən/
fixed phrase
Folded paper flying toy
A toy you make by folding paper so it can glide when you throw it.
Examples
- He made a paper aeroplane and threw it across the classroom.
- The kids had a paper aeroplane contest in the park.