Etymology Borrowed from French hélicoptère, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “spiral”) + πτερόν (pterón, “wing”). Doublet of helicopteron. By surface analysis, helico- + -pter. The dragonfly sense is from a dragonfly's ability to hover and fly in any direction, like the flying machine.
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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.
I’ve flown in flimsy microlights, soaring serenely above rich farmland. I’ve ridden tactical combat helicopters missions, skimming the desert floor and banking hard around sand dunes.2020 December 5, Nic Robertson, “Saudi Arabia has changed beyond recognition. But will tourists want to visit?”, in CNN:
1 more example
Investigators trying to determine what caused last week’s deadly midair collision between a US military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Washington, DC, briefed lawmakers Thursday on what they’ve learned after combing through data from both aircraft and air traffic control.2025 February 6, Alexandra Skores, Hanna Park, Andy Rose and Holly Yan, “Senators grill investigators on the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk military helicopter”, in CNN:
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A powered troweling machine with spinning blades used to spread concrete.
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Biology, Botany, Natural sciences The winged fruit of certain trees, such as ash, elm, and maple.
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Biology, Natural sciences, ZoologySlang A dragonfly; so named due to its resemblance to a helicopter (sense 1).
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A whirling trick performed with devil sticks.
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Dance, Dancing, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports A breakdance move in which the dancer spins on the floor while extending the legs to resemble the blades of a helicopter.
Etymology Borrowed from French hélicoptère, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “spiral”) + πτερόν (pterón, “wing”). Doublet of helicopteron. By surface analysis, helico- + -pter. The dragonfly sense is from a dragonfly's ability to hover and fly in any direction, like the flying machine.
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To transport by helicopter.
Car drivers were helicoptered to safety from nearby roads. There were photographs of people canoeing down streets.2023 November 29, Paul Clifton, “West is best in the Highlands”, in RAIL, number 997, page 40:
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To travel by helicopter.
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To rotate like a helicopter blade.
helicoptering his jacket, helicoptering his arms
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To overprotect one's children, as a helicopter parent does.