airplane

Forms

• aeroplane (UK)

Etymology

It is formed from English air + plane,^[2] altering aeroplane under the influence of air.^[3][4] Merriam-Webster traces aeroplane probably to Late Greek ἀεροπλάνος (aeroplános, “wandering in air”).^[4]

Earliest recorded meaning

1907.^[3][2]

Semantic evolution

Its first uses are British, but it came to predominate in American English, largely replacing aeroplane (1873 in this sense), which remains common in Britain.^[2] It soon replaced aeroplane in official American publications and in some British ones, such as the RAF regulations of 1918, and Skeat had recommended it in 1911.^[3] Aircraft in the same sense is also from 1907; earlier names were Byron's air-vessel (1822), aeromotive (1865) and air-boat (1870).^[2]

Timeline

• 1822 – air-vessel (Byron).^[2]
• 1873 – aeroplane.^[2]
• 1907 – airplane; aircraft.^[3][2]
• 1911 – Skeat recommends airplane.^[3]

Modern meaning

Noun

1. (chiefly US, Canada) A powered, heavier-than-air flying vehicle with fixed wings; an aeroplane.

Word family

• airplane cloth

Related words

• aeroplane
• plane
• aircraft

References

1. ^ a b Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f g Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c d e Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
4. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster