gyroplane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “gyroplane” mean?
An aircraft that flies using an unpowered, freely rotating horizontal rotor for lift, and a conventional propeller and wings for forward thrust.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An aircraft that flies using an unpowered, freely rotating horizontal rotor for lift, and a conventional propeller and wings for forward thrust.
A type of rotorcraft that is distinct from a helicopter; its rotor is not powered by an engine but autorotates due to air moving up through it as the craft moves forward. Sometimes used more broadly to refer to early or experimental autogyros.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Autogyro' is somewhat more common in UK usage, while 'gyroplane' sees occasional use in both, often in historical or regulatory contexts.
Connotations
Technical, historical. May evoke early 20th-century aviation pioneers like Juan de la Cierva.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language in both regions. Primarily found in aviation literature, history books, or among enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “gyroplane” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] gyroplane [VERB].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical or engineering papers on aviation technology.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be encountered.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in aviation manuals, among hobbyists, and in discussions of aircraft classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gyroplane”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gyroplane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gyroplane”
- Pronouncing it like the food 'gyro' (/ˈjɪə.roʊ/). The first syllable is pronounced like 'gyroscope'.
- Using it interchangeably with 'helicopter'.
- Spelling it as 'giroplane' (which relates to banking).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A helicopter's main rotor is powered by an engine. A gyroplane's main rotor is not powered in flight; it autorotates, and forward thrust comes from a separate propeller.
No, it cannot hover like a helicopter. It requires forward airspeed to keep the rotor spinning and generating lift.
Essentially yes, 'gyrocopter' is a modern brand name (from Bensen Aircraft) that has become a generic term for small, open-cockpit gyroplanes.
The technology is niche. The more common generic terms are 'autogyro' or 'autogiro', and in modern contexts, 'gyrocopter'.
An aircraft that flies using an unpowered, freely rotating horizontal rotor for lift, and a conventional propeller and wings for forward thrust.
Gyroplane is usually technical / historical in register.
Gyroplane: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒaɪ.rəʊ.pleɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒaɪ.roʊ.pleɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GYROscope' (spinning) + 'PLANE' (aircraft) = an aircraft that stays up by spinning.
Conceptual Metaphor
A flying windmill; a hybrid between a plane and a helicopter.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary source of lift for a gyroplane in forward flight?