B1noun2K

Helicopter

UK /["/ˈhelɪkɒptə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈhelɪkɑːptər/"]/

Definition

an aircraft without wings that has large blades (= long flat parts) on top that go round. It can fly straight up from the ground and can also stay in one position in the air.

In simple words: A flying vehicle with rotating blades on top.

Examples

  • a **police/rescue helicopter**
  • an **attack helicopter**
  • He was rushed to the hospital by helicopter.
  • a **helicopter pilot**
  • a **helicopter gunship**
  • An air ambulance helicopter came to the rescue.
  • He flew helicopters during the Gulf War.
  • Helicopters buzzed overhead.
  • We're going to take a helicopter tour of the island.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation and aviation contexts. Not typically used in formal writing. Be careful not to confuse with similar terms like 'plane' or 'drone'.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Heli-copter: Imagine a copter with 'heli' around it flying in the sky.

Collocations

  • air-force
  • army
  • coastguard
  • fly
  • pilot
  • board
  • fly
  • circle
  • hover
  • flight
  • ride
  • trip
  • by helicopter
  • in a/​the helicopter

Synonyms

  • chopper
  • heli
  • rotorcraft

Antonyms

  • airplane
  • fixed-wing aircraft

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'chopper', which is informal slang but can refer to the same thing.
  • Using 'helicopter' in a setting where a more specific term (like 'medical helicopter') is better.
  • Mispronouncing the word by stressing the wrong syllable.