Etymologically
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wheelchair

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 16:21. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈwiːlt͡ʃɛə(ɹ)/ (UK); /ˈ(h)wilt͡ʃɛɹ/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is from English wheel + chair, also written wheel-chair.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

A chair on wheels, used by invalids: about 1700 in Etymonline and Merriam-Webster.[2][3]

Semantic evolution

As an adjective it describes things designed for wheelchair users, as wheelchair housing.[4] The phrase wheelchair-bound, attested by 1981, is now discouraged.[2]

Timeline

  • c. 1700 – wheelchair.[2][3]
  • 1981 – wheelchair-bound.[2]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. A chair on large wheels for a person who cannot walk, either pushed or moved by the user.

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ The Chambers Dictionary (2008), 11th ed., Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap