Aeroplane
/ˈɛə.rəˌpleɪn/noun
A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings, especially one heavier than air.
Did you know?Aeroplane was coined in the 19th century from Greek *aēr* (“air”) and French *planer* (“to glide/soar”), so its name literally describes something that glides through the air rather than a magical “flying” invention.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
aḗr (ἀήρ)
“air, mist, lower atmosphere”
Latin
Latin
aer
“air”
Old French
Old French
plane / planer
“to glide, hover, soar”
19th Century
French/English
aéroplane
“a heavier-than-air flying machine”
Modern English
English
aeroplane
“an airplane”