Definition of "helicopter" in English

noun

1. (aircraft) An aircraft that is borne along by one or more sets of long rotating blades which allow it to hover, move in any direction including reverse, or land; and typically having a smaller set of blades on its tail to stabilize the aircraft.

   • We flew over the city in a helicopter.

2. A powered troweling machine with spinning blades used to spread concrete.

3. (botany) The winged fruit of certain trees, such as ash, elm, and maple.

4. (zoology, slang) A dragonfly; so named due to its resemblance to a helicopter (sense 1).

5. A whirling trick performed with devil sticks.

6. (dance) A breakdance move in which the dancer spins on the floor while extending the legs to resemble the blades of a helicopter.

verb

1. (transitive) To transport by helicopter.

2. (intransitive) To travel by helicopter.

3. To rotate like a helicopter blade.

   • helicoptering his jacket, helicoptering his arms

4. To overprotect one's children, as a helicopter parent does.

   • Near-synonym: hover