airline

air-line · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A company that provides regular air transport services for passengers and cargo.

  2. 2.

    A route regularly used by aircraft.

Forms

plural: airlines

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    airline ticket — A document allowing travel on a specific flight.
  • •
    budget airline — A low-cost carrier offering cheaper fares.
  • •
    airline industry — The business sector of air transportation.
  • •
    flag carrier — The national airline representing a country.

Related words

See also: airlines, airplane, flight
Synonyms: air carrier, airways, carrier

Etymology

Compound of air + line, modeled on earlier terms like steamship line. First used in the early 20th century as commercial aviation developed.