concorde: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, historical, technical (aviation)
Quick answer
What does “concorde” mean?
A specific supersonic passenger jet aircraft that operated between 1976 and 2003, a joint British-French project.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific supersonic passenger jet aircraft that operated between 1976 and 2003, a joint British-French project.
Often used as a symbol of technological achievement, luxury air travel, and a bygone era of aviation. Can be referenced to denote speed or sleek design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The project was joint, so the name is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
For British speakers, it may carry connotations of national pride and technological prowess. For American speakers, it's more a historical/technical reference, sometimes associated with luxury and noise.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to national association, but remains a low-frequency, specialized term in both.
Grammar
How to Use “concorde” in a Sentence
the ConcordeConcorde + verb (e.g., flew, landed, was retired)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concorde” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a Concorde-era mentality
- Concorde-like speed
American English
- a Concorde-style design
- Concorde-fast
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical context of aviation industry or luxury branding.
Academic
Used in history, engineering, and transport studies texts.
Everyday
Rare. Used in nostalgic conversation or to refer to something very fast or sleek.
Technical
Used precisely in aviation history and engineering contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concorde”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concorde”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concorde”
- Spelling it 'Concord' (the town/agreement/grape) without the final 'e'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a concorde') instead of a proper noun ('the Concorde').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a proper noun from a joint British-French project. The name is used identically in both UK and US English.
No. It is a specific historical aircraft. Using it generically is figurative and rare. You would say 'as fast as a Concorde' not 'it's a Concorde' (unless it literally is one).
The French spelling of the word 'concorde' (meaning harmony, agreement) includes a final 'e'. The name was chosen to symbolize the Anglo-French cooperation on the project.
Use the definite article 'the' as it refers to a unique class of aircraft: 'the Concorde'. Saying 'a Concorde' is technically incorrect unless referring to one specific physical plane among the small fleet that was built.
A specific supersonic passenger jet aircraft that operated between 1976 and 2003, a joint British-French project.
Concorde is usually formal, historical, technical (aviation) in register.
Concorde: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒŋkɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːŋkɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to do a Concorde (rare, meaning to retire early after a short, brilliant career)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONCORD means harmony; the Concorde was a harmonious British-French project.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A DISTANT COUNTRY (Concorde represents a specific, unreachable past era of travel).
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary reason for the Concorde's retirement?