airplane English · revision 15059

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1907}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈeə.pleɪn/, US /ˈer.pleɪn/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[air]] and [[plane]],^(Etymonline) altering [[aeroplane]] under the influence of air.^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024) Merriam-Webster traces aeroplane probably to Late Greek [[m|grc|ἀεροπλάνος|tr=aeroplános|t=wandering in air]].^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ 1907.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==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.^(Etymonline) 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.^(Barnhart 1988) Aircraft in the same sense is also from 1907; earlier names were Byron's air-vessel (1822), aeromotive (1865) and air-boat (1870).^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1822 – air-vessel (Byron).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1873 – aeroplane.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1907 – airplane; aircraft.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1911 – Skeat recommends airplane.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(chiefly US, Canada)'' A powered, heavier-than-air flying vehicle with fixed wings; an [[aeroplane]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[airplane cloth]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[aeroplane]]

+ * [[plane]]

+ * [[aircraft]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}