helicopternoun/ˈheliːˌkɔptə(ɹ)/

• 1

  An aircraft that is borne along by one or more sets of long rotating blades which allow it to hover, move in any direction including reverse, or land; and typically having a smaller set of blades on its tail to stabilize the aircraft.

  • We flew over the city in a helicopter.
  • I’ve flown in flimsy microlights, soaring serenely above rich farmland. I’ve ridden tactical combat helicopters missions, skimming the desert floor and banking hard around sand dunes.
• 2

  A powered troweling machine with spinning blades used to spread concrete.

• 3

  biologybotanynatural-sciencesThe winged fruit of certain trees, such as ash, elm, and maple.

• 4

  slangbiologynatural-scienceszoologyA dragonfly; so named due to its resemblance to a helicopter (sense 1).

• 5

  A whirling trick performed with devil sticks.

• 6

  dancedancinghobbiesA breakdance move in which the dancer spins on the floor while extending the legs to resemble the blades of a helicopter.

helicopterverb/ˈheliːˌkɔptə(ɹ)/

• 1

  To transport by helicopter.

  • Car drivers were helicoptered to safety from nearby roads. There were photographs of people canoeing down streets.
• 2

  To travel by helicopter.

• 3

  To rotate like a helicopter blade.

  • helicoptering his jacket, helicoptering his arms
• 4

  To overprotect one's children, as a helicopter parent does.

  • Near-synonym: hover