airman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Military/Aviation)
Quick answer
What does “airman” mean?
A member of an air force, especially one who is not a commissioned officer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of an air force, especially one who is not a commissioned officer; a person who operates, works on, or flies in an aircraft.
Historically, a general term for a pilot or aviator; in modern military contexts, a specific enlisted rank in certain air forces (e.g., U.S. Air Force's most junior enlisted rank). Can also refer more broadly to a male worker in the aviation industry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'airman' is used within the RAF as a generic term for a member of the air force (Airman 1st Class, etc.). In the US, 'Airman' is a specific enlisted rank (E-2). The broader occupational term is equally understood.
Connotations
In both, strong military/aviation connotations. Slightly more formal/generic in UK usage; in US, immediately associated with the specific Air Force rank.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the prominence of the U.S. Air Force and its rank structure. In UK public discourse, 'pilot' or 'RAF personnel' is more common.
Grammar
How to Use “airman” in a Sentence
airman + of + [organisation] (an airman of the RAF)airman + in + [branch/service] (an airman in the Air Force)airman + with + [rank/experience] (an airman with ten years' service)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- []
American English
- []
adverb
British English
- []
American English
- []
adjective
British English
- []
American English
- []
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in aerospace industry HR contexts.
Academic
In historical or military studies texts.
Everyday
Uncommon. Would likely be used when specifically discussing military air forces.
Technical
Standard in military aviation, air force manuals, and personnel management.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airman”
- Using 'airman' to refer to a flight attendant (incorrect). Using 'airman' as a gender-neutral term without context (potentially outdated). Confusing 'Airman' (rank) with 'Pilot Officer' (a commissioned rank).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, no. It is masculine-specific. For inclusivity, many organisations now use 'aviator', 'air personnel', or the specific rank title. The plural 'airmen' is sometimes used officially for mixed groups.
An 'airman' is a broader term for any member of an air force, especially enlisted personnel, which includes pilots, mechanics, and other specialists. A 'pilot' is specifically someone who controls the flight of an aircraft. All pilots in an air force are airmen, but not all airmen are pilots.
Typically, no. The term strongly implies military affiliation, specifically with an air force. A civilian who flies might be called an 'aviator' or 'pilot', but not an airman.
The rough equivalents are 'seaman' for the navy and 'soldier' for the army. Like 'airman', 'seaman' can also be a specific junior enlisted rank.
A member of an air force, especially one who is not a commissioned officer.
Airman is usually formal, technical (military/aviation) in register.
Airman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeəmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛrmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AIR + MAN. A man (or person) of the air, who works with aircraft.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIRMAN IS A SERVANT OF THE SKY / AIRMAN IS A TECHNICIAN OF FLIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'airman' MOST specifically and correctly used?