What does gyroplane mean?
A gyroplane is a powered aircraft that uses one or more horizontal rotors turning about a vertical axis to provide lift. This makes it capable of taking off, hovering, and landing vertically, without the forward speed or runway required by a conventional aeroplane. The word is an older, chiefly British term and is often encountered in aviation history, technical writing, and descriptions of early rotorcraft; in some dictionaries it is simply another name for a helicopter. “Gyro” comes from Greek gŷros, meaning “circle” or “round,” and reflects the rotors' continuous rotation, while “plane” refers to the aircraft. Though less common in everyday speech than helicopter, gyroplane is useful because it preserves the technical idea of rotary-wing flight and helps distinguish vertical-capable aircraft from conventional fixed-wing planes.
nounA powered aircraft whose horizontal main rotor or rotors rotate about a vertical axis, enabling it to take off and land vertically. The term is chiefly an older name for this kind of rotary-wing aircraft.
- A powered aircraft whose horizontal main rotor or rotors rotate about a vertical axis, enabling vertical takeoff, hovering, and landing.
"The pilot guided the gyroplane into a vertical climb above the open field."
"The gyroplane hovered above the clearing while the crew prepared the landing area."
"Aviation historians restored the rare gyroplane for an exhibition flight."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several gyroplanes participated in the aviation exhibition."
The word is an old-fashioned clue to a machine that flies by spinning rotors rather than by pushing air past fixed wings.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gyroplane come from?
The first element of gyroplane comes from the Greek gŷros, meaning “circle” or “round,” through the combining form gyro-. The second element is plane, referring to an aeroplane or aircraft. The compound denotes an aircraft whose flight depends on continuously rotating rotors, and it shares a root with gyroscope, gyrate, and gyration.
How gyroplane is actually used
The term has a dated, technical feel and is less common in ordinary speech than helicopter. Dictionaries differ somewhat in whether they use it broadly or as a historical label for a particular rotorcraft design.
Easily confused with gyroplane
A gyroplane is a general term for a powered rotary-wing aircraft, whereas an autogiro has an unpowered main rotor and uses separate propellers for forward thrust.