Word
airspeed
Phoneticsair·speed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹˌspid/
UK/ˈeəspiːd/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the speed of a plane through the air around it. You measure it against the moving air, not against the ground below.
n. the speed of an aircraft relative to the surrounding air mass, typically expressed in knots or miles per hour. Distinct from groundspeed, which measures movement relative to the Earth's surface.
Examples
“The pilot checks the airspeed before takeoff.”
“The small plane slows down, so the pilot watches the airspeed to keep the wings lifting safely.”
“As the jet climbs into thinner air, maintaining constant airspeed requires more engine power despite the lower drag.”
Examples
simple
“The pilot checks the airspeed before takeoff.”
contextual
“The small plane slows down, so the pilot watches the airspeed to keep the wings lifting safely.”
complex
“As the jet climbs into thinner air, maintaining constant airspeed requires more engine power despite the lower drag.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “airspeed” in context.
Verb
01. airspeed drops
“If airspeed drops too quickly, the stick shaker warns the crew.”
noun + verb
02. airspeed recovers
“Once the nose is lowered, airspeed recovers very quickly.”
noun + verb
03. airspeed stabilizes
“After level-off, airspeed stabilizes at the cruising value.”
noun + verb
04. increase airspeed
“Lower the nose slightly to increase airspeed and avoid a stall.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. adequate airspeed
“Keep adequate airspeed on final approach to maintain full control.”
adj + noun
06. calibrated airspeed
“The manual lists stall speeds in calibrated airspeed for accuracy.”
adj + noun
07. indicated airspeed
“Pilots check indicated airspeed on the dial before rotating for takeoff.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. airspeed indicator
“The airspeed indicator showed 140 knots on short final.”
noun + noun
09. change in airspeed
“Sudden turbulence caused an unexpected change in airspeed.”
noun + prep + noun
10. gain in airspeed
“A slight dive produced a rapid gain in airspeed.”
noun + prep + noun
11. check the airspeed indicator
“She glanced down to check the airspeed indicator before landing.”
12. keep airspeed above minimum
“Instructors stress you must keep airspeed above minimum in turns.”
Etymology
From air + speed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
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/airspeed