Aeroplane vs. Airplane — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Both "Aeroplane" and "Airplane" refer to a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings. "Aeroplane" is primarily used in British English, while "Airplane" is the preferred term in American English.
Difference Between Aeroplane and Airplane
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Aeroplane" and "Airplane" both denote a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings. The difference between these two terms lies predominantly in their usage based on regional linguistic preferences. In essence, the words mean the same thing but are used differently in various English-speaking regions.
In British English, the term "Aeroplane" is commonly employed. It is derived from the Greek words "aero," meaning air, and "planos," meaning wandering. When someone in the UK speaks about flying or aviation, it's common to hear the word "Aeroplane."
On the other hand, "Airplane" is the term favored in American English. As the name suggests, it simply combines "air" and "plane." For many in the United States, "Airplane" is the go-to term, and it's what you'd commonly hear in everyday conversation or media.
Both terms, however, are understood universally. Regardless of whether someone uses "Aeroplane" or "Airplane," the reference to a flying machine with wings is clear. With globalization and the blending of cultures, it's not unusual to encounter both terms used interchangeably in various contexts.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
Powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
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Usage
Primarily in British English.
Primarily in American English.
Origin
From Greek "aero" and "planos."
Combination of "air" and "plane."
Example
"The aeroplane is landing."
"The airplane is taking off."
Popularity
Common in UK, Australia, etc.
Common in the U.S. and Canada.
Compare with Definitions
Aeroplane
A vehicle designed for air travel, having wings and one or more engines.
The aeroplane cruised at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
Airplane
A powered aircraft with fixed wings designed for air travel.
The airplane was scheduled to land at noon.
Aeroplane
A powered flying vehicle with wings for navigating the air.
The aeroplane soared above the clouds.
Airplane
A machine that uses aerodynamics for flight.
He always wanted to become an airplane pilot.
Aeroplane
A machine capable of flight, used for transportation.
She booked her ticket for the next aeroplane to London.
Airplane
A transportation device that flies and carries passengers or cargo.
The airplane was filled to capacity with eager travelers.
Aeroplane
An aircraft driven by propellers or jets.
The aeroplane's engine roared to life on the runway.
Airplane
An aircraft that operates using engines and has a fixed-wing structure.
The sound of an airplane could be heard overhead.
Aeroplane
A mechanism for air navigation that can sustain itself in the air.
The pilot expertly maneuvered the aeroplane through the storm.
Airplane
A heavier-than-air vehicle, manually controlled by a pilot.
The airplane ascended smoothly into the sky.
Aeroplane
A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces.
Airplane
An airplane or aeroplane (informally plane) is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine. Airplanes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wing configurations.
Aeroplane
Variant of airplane.
Airplane
A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces; an aeroplane.
Aeroplane
A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings.
Airplane
Any of various winged vehicles capable of flight, generally heavier than air and driven by jet engines or propellers.
Aeroplane
An airfoil.
Airplane
A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings.
Aeroplane
Any of various nymphalid butterflies, of various genera, having a slow gliding flight. Also called planes.
Airplane
(intransitive) To fly in an aeroplane.
Aeroplane
(intransitive) To fly in an aeroplane.
Airplane
(transitive) To transport by aeroplane.
Aeroplane
(transitive) To transport by aeroplane.
Airplane
A heavier-than-air aircraft. Same as aeroplane{2}.
Aeroplane
A light rigid plane used in aërial navigation to oppose sudden upward or downward movement in the air, as in gliding machines; specif., such a plane slightly inclined and driven forward as a lifting device in some flying machines. Also called airfoil.
Airplane
An aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets;
The flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane
Aeroplane
Hence, a heavier-than-air flying machine using such a device to provide lift. In a modern aeroplane, the airfoils are called the wings, and most of the lift is derived from these surfaces. In contrast to helicopters, the wings are fixed to the passenger compartment (airframe) and do not move relative to the frame; thus such a machine is called a fixed-wing aircraft. These machines are called monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes, or quadruplanes, according to the number of main supporting planes (wings) used in their construction. After 1940 few planes with more than one airfoil were constructed, and these are used by hobbyists or for special purposes. Being heavier than air they depend for their levitation on motion imparted by the thrust from either propellers driven by an engine, or, in a jet plane, by the reaction from a high-velocity stream of gases expelled rearward from a jet engine. They start from the ground by a run on small wheels or runners, and are guided by a steering apparatus consisting of horizontal and vertical movable planes, which usually form part of the wings or tail. There are many varieties of form and construction, which in some cases are known by the names of their inventors. In U.S., an aeroplane is usually called an airplane or plane.
Aeroplane
An aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets;
The flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane
Common Curiosities
Is "Airplane" American English?
Yes, "Airplane" is the preferred term in American English.
Are "Aeroplane" and "Airplane" synonyms?
Yes, both terms refer to the same type of flying vehicle with fixed wings.
Is "Aeroplane" British English?
Yes, "Aeroplane" is predominantly used in British English.
Can I use "Airplane" in the UK?
While "Aeroplane" is more common in the UK, "Airplane" is understood and can be used.
Which term is used in aviation jargon?
Both terms are recognized in aviation, but usage might vary based on the region.
Does Australia use "Aeroplane" or "Airplane"?
Australia primarily uses "Aeroplane."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
