warplane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Journalistic, Historical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “warplane” mean?
An aircraft designed and used for military combat, especially in air-to-air or air-to-ground attacks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An aircraft designed and used for military combat, especially in air-to-air or air-to-ground attacks.
Any aircraft operated by a military force, which can include fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, and military transport planes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'warplane' similarly. 'Combat aircraft' is a more formal synonym common in both. 'Warplane' has a slightly more journalistic or historical flavour.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word evokes images of conflict, power, and military technology. It can carry neutral, negative, or heroic connotations depending on context.
Frequency
Slightly more common in historical and general-interest writing than in contemporary military technical documents, where specific terms like 'fighter jet' or 'bomber' are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “warplane” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] warplane [VERBed] over the [LOCATION].[NATIONALITY] warplanes conducted a raid on [TARGET].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “warplane” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Spitfire is perhaps the most iconic British warplane.
- The government has committed to funding the next generation of warplanes.
American English
- The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a versatile multirole warplane.
- The exhibition featured several warplanes from the Korean War era.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in defence industry contexts: 'The contract is for the maintenance of the ageing warplane fleet.'
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and military technology papers: 'The evolution of the warplane transformed 20th-century warfare.'
Everyday
Used in news reports and historical discussions: 'A vintage warplane crashed at an air show yesterday.'
Technical
Used, but specific designations (F-35, Su-57) are more common. 'The warplane's radar cross-section was significantly reduced.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “warplane”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “warplane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “warplane”
- Using 'warplane' to refer to any military vehicle (e.g., tanks, warships).
- Spelling as two words: 'war plane'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'warplane' is a broad term for any armed military aircraft. A 'fighter jet' is a specific type of warplane designed primarily for air-to-air combat against other aircraft.
Typically, no. 'Warplane' conventionally refers to fixed-wing aircraft. Military helicopters are usually called 'attack helicopters', 'gunships', or simply 'military helicopters'.
The term came into use around World War I and was most common during and after World War II. It remains in use but is often replaced by more specific terms in modern technical contexts.
It is descriptively neutral but, like all military vocabulary, its connotation depends heavily on context. It can be neutral in technical writing, negative in pacifist discourse, or heroic in historical narratives.
An aircraft designed and used for military combat, especially in air-to-air or air-to-ground attacks.
Warplane is usually formal, journalistic, historical, technical in register.
Warplane: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɔːpleɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɔːrpleɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Museums have several warplanes that have been put out to pasture.”
- “The new stealth warplane is a game-changer in aerial warfare.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of WAR + PLANE. It's a plane built for war.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WARPLANE IS A PREDATORY BIRD (soaring, diving, striking). A WARPLANE IS A WEAPON PLATFORM.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a warplane?