airstrip
C1Neutral (used in both informal and technical contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A basic runway, often unpaved, used for the takeoff and landing of aircraft, especially in remote or temporary locations.
A simplified, functional area of land prepared for aircraft operations, typically lacking the full infrastructure of a formal airport.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a simpler, less developed facility than an 'airport' or even an 'airfield'. Often associated with remote, military, or emergency contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use 'landing strip' as a common synonym, though 'airstrip' is slightly more prevalent.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Connotes practicality and minimalism.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more common in American English in military/aviation contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The plane landed on the [airstrip].They built/cleared an [airstrip] in the jungle.The [airstrip] was too short for the jet.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically for 'airstrip']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in logistics or resource extraction discussing remote site access. ('The mining company built an airstrip for personnel transport.')
Academic
Used in geography, military history, or development studies describing infrastructure. ('The study examined the role of wartime airstrips.')
Everyday
Used when discussing travel to remote areas, news reports, or adventure stories. ('Our safari lodge has its own small airstrip.')
Technical
Common in aviation, military, and emergency services contexts to denote a basic operational area. ('The Cessna can operate from a 500-metre grass airstrip.')
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form for 'airstrip']
American English
- [No standard verb form for 'airstrip']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'airstrip' attributively: 'airstrip length', 'airstrip maintenance'.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'airstrip' attributively: 'airstrip capacity', 'airstrip operations'.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The small plane landed on the airstrip.
- They built a temporary airstrip for the emergency supplies.
- The documentary showed bush pilots using gravel airstrips in the Alaskan wilderness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STRIP of land cleared for AIR planes: AIR + STRIP.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PATHWAY or DOORWAY in the wilderness for aircraft.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'аэропорт' (airport). 'Airstrip' is 'взлётно-посадочная полоса' (VPP), often specifically a simple one. 'Аэродром' (aerodrome/airfield) is a closer, but still more formal, concept.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'airstrip' to refer to a major commercial airport. Confusing it with 'airport terminal' or 'gate'. Spelling as 'air strip' (should be one word or hyphenated: airstrip/air-strip).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is the BEST example of an airstrip?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An airstrip is a basic runway, often unpaved and with minimal to no facilities (no terminal, control tower, etc.). An airport is a complex with multiple runways, terminals, control towers, and services.
Typically no. Most airstrips are too short, unpaved, and lack the strength and navigation aids required for large commercial jets. They are used by smaller, more versatile aircraft.
Yes, for all practical purposes they are synonyms and are used interchangeably in most contexts.
It is standard as one word ('airstrip'). The hyphenated form 'air-strip' is less common but sometimes seen.