Word
airlift
Phoneticsair·lift, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹˌɫɪft/
UK/ˈeəlɪft/
Definition
n. a large amount of air travel, especially when many people or things are moved by plane at the same time. It is often used when a country needs to send or receive a lot of goods or people quickly.
n. a large-scale movement of people or goods by air, typically involving a significant number of aircraft. Often used in the context of international trade, military operations, or humanitarian aid.
Examples
“The country experienced a massive airlift of medical supplies.”
“After the flood destroyed the local roads, the government organized an airlift to deliver food and water to the stranded residents.”
“The sudden increase in international demand for rare minerals led to a massive airlift of cargo planes departing from the regional hub every hour.”
Examples
simple
“The country experienced a massive airlift of medical supplies.”
contextual
“After the flood destroyed the local roads, the government organized an airlift to deliver food and water to the stranded residents.”
complex
“The sudden increase in international demand for rare minerals led to a massive airlift of cargo planes departing from the regional hub every hour.”
Real-World Examples
“He was airlifted from the town, near Bundaberg in central Queensland, to the Queensland Children’s hospital in a critical condition.” “She was treated at the scene before being airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.” Etymology
From air + lift; compare sealift.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/airlift