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DictionarywarplaneCombat aircraft
noun

warplane

WOR-playn/ˈwɔːrpleɪn/

A military aircraft designed or used for combat.

The parked warplane has swept wings and visible engine exhausts.

Unmarked modern military fighter aircraft with swept wings, cockpit and engine exhaust, gear down in neutral parked display; no firing, bombs falling, targets or national insignia.
Etymology
warOld North Frenchwar
+planeEnglishaircraft

The word for war joins a shortened form of “aeroplane.” The compound identifies an aircraft by its combat purpose or use, rather than simply naming a flying machine.

In context

Chris Manley0:14
with avionics and stealth the warplane became almost invisible and pilots a liability
HDTV PBS Warplane 4of4 Age of Stealth DivX6 AC3

More examples

  • The carrier launches two warplanes before dawn.
  • Mechanics inspect the warplane before its next flight.
  • The museum displays a restored warplane from World War II.

Forms

warplane · warplanes

Similar words

fighter
Specifically a warplane designed mainly to fight other aircraft.
bomber
Specifically a warplane designed mainly to drop bombs.