Whirlybird

A colloquial and often affectionate term for a helicopter. The name evokes the distinctive sound and visual appearance of a helicopter's rotating blades. The term highlights the unique aerodynamic principle of vertical lift that distinguishes helicopters from fixed-wing aircraft, and emphasizes the rapid rotation of its main rotor. This term is commonly used in informal conversations, aviation enthusiasts, and may be used in fiction settings. While it's widely understood, it's less formal than 'helicopter' and suitable for contexts where technical precision is not the primary concern.

Whirlybird meaning with examples

• The rescue team's whirlybird was already circling the area, preparing for the extraction. I could hear the iconic *whup-whup* sound of its blades cutting through the wind. Everyone knew that if you were in trouble on the mountain, you were just waiting for the whirlybird to show up and offer assistance.
• As a child, I spent hours watching whirlybirds on television. These airborne machines, which brought rescue teams, supplies and doctors, would provide help whenever there was an emergency. I always wanted to grow up and fly a whirlybird but found myself getting car sick too easily.
• The movie scene depicted a dramatic escape from a burning building; the characters were dangling from a rope ladder as a whirlybird pulled them free. The director loved this scene with the whirlybird, claiming the dramatic impact of the whirlybird's rotation was a vital addition to the plot.
• The museum's exhibit showcased the evolution of flight, prominently featuring vintage whirlybirds alongside their fixed-wing counterparts. These fascinating airframes, as they are also known, show the history of air flight and design, showing the massive improvements in flight safety and performance.