aircraft

Everyday

1. Any machine that flies in the air, such as an aeroplane, helicopter, glider or airship. tree →
2. (in phrases) aircraft carrier: a huge ship that aeroplanes can take off from and land on. tree →

In the lessons

In science and transport lessons it covers all flying machines. In maths problems aircraft carry passengers, fly distances and use fuel. In safety, passengers follow aircraft rules about seat belts. Phrases: on board the aircraft, aircraft carrier, military aircraft, light aircraft.

Examples

• A helicopter is a kind of aircraft. tree →
• The aircraft landed safely in the fog. tree →
• Three aircraft flew over the school. tree →
• The aircraft carries 180 passengers, so 3 flights carry 540. tree →
• Fasten your seat belt while the aircraft is moving. tree →
• An aircraft carrier is like a floating airport. tree →

Note

Plural is the same: one aircraft, two aircraft (not "aircrafts"). It is a general word: all aeroplanes are aircraft, but not all aircraft are aeroplanes.