Definition of whirlybirdnext
as in helicopter
a vehicle for traveling through the air that obtains its lift from rotors which spin horizontally from the sky a police whirlybird was able to track the fleeing carjacker

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of whirlybird Of course, there’s more to it than simply getting a nod from over half a dozen nations to order a job lot of whirlybirds. — David Szondy february 24, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026 The sleek, dark-green whirlybird, with its luxe leather interior, sat in front of Airbus’s static display at the National Business Aviation Association’s BACE conference in Orlando. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2022 The result is a whirlybird that’s quieter than usual, but also potentially safer. — Rob Verger and Charlie Wood, Popular Science, 2 Dec. 2020 Mars’ atmosphere is thin, so the extraterrestrial whirlybird needed some special modifications to achieve lift. — Hailey Rose McLaughlin, Discover Magazine, 4 Sep. 2019 At its factory in Cambodia, Outland Denim uses a method of heat extraction involving breezeways and a roof ventilation device known as a whirlybird. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirlybird
Noun
  • The system is designed to provide short-range protection against drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft, adding an air-defense layer alongside NMESIS’ anti-ship capability.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The Coast Guard has deployed two search and rescue planes as well as a helicopter and a motor lifeboat.
    — Frank Langfitt, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Details of medical chopper crash off Catalina emerge Three people died after a medical transport helicopter flying from Santa Catalina Island to the mainland crashed into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday; two others were rescued and stable.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This mandoline-style chopper cuts prep time down and comes with multiple interchangeable blades.
    — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whirlybird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirlybird. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster