# airship

/ˈɛɹˌʃɪp/ (US) · /ˈeəʃɪp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/airship
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a large, lighter-than-air craft that flies using gas bags and engines. It is usually used for travel or as a military aircraft.

For teachers: a large, lighter-than-air aircraft that uses gas bags to provide lift and engines for propulsion. Often used in a military or commercial context.

## Examples

- The airship drifted slowly over the city.
- During the early twentieth century, the airship was a popular choice for long-distance travel across the Atlantic.
- The modern airship combines traditional buoyancy with advanced aerodynamics to achieve a level of fuel efficiency that makes it a viable alternative to conventional cargo planes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.