rotorcraft

noun

ro·​tor·​craft ˈrō-tər-ˌkraft How to pronounce rotorcraft (audio)
plural rotorcraft
Synonyms of rotorcraftnext
: an aircraft (such as a helicopter) whose lift is derived principally from rotating airfoils

Examples of rotorcraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dragonfly Dragonfly will become the first rotorcraft sent to another moon. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 The little rotorcraft far exceeded mission managers' expectations, completing a total of 72 flights over the course of nearly three years. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 May 2026 The result is an uncrewed rotorcraft intended as a high-utility, low-cost helicopter for both commercial and military applications. — David Szondy march 11, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2026 The chemical will also be on board the Dragon rotorcraft, which is planned to launch in 2028 on a mission to explore Saturn's moon Titan. — CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rotorcraft

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotorcraft was in 1929

Rhymes for rotorcraft

See All Rhymes for rotorcraft

Browse Nearby Words

rotor blade
rotorcraft
rotor disk
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rotorcraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotorcraft. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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