# airspeed

/ˈɛɹˌspid/ (US) · /ˈeəspiːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/airspeed
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

the speed of a plane through the air around it. You measure it against the moving air, not against the ground below.

For teachers: 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.

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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.