1851, originally in reference to airships and balloons, from air (n.1) + craft (n.); a term from boating, as were many early aviation words. Of airplanes from 1907 and since 1930s exclusively of them. [..]

vehicle able to travel and operate above the ground.

An aircraft is a vehicle that travels through the air above the ground. It is either supported for flight by the action of air on its surfaces (aeroplane), or by buoyancy (balloon).

a vehicle that can fly An aircraft is a vehicle which is able to fly by being supported by the air, or in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either [..]

A machine used for flying. Airplanes, helicopters, airships, and jets are all aircraft.

any machine that can rise in the air and move through it

Any form of craft designed for the navigation of the air.

coverage for aircraft (hull) and their contents; aircraft owners' and aircraft manufacturers liability to passengers, airports and other third parties.

The main source for aviation law then is federal law, such as administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who issues directives on the airworthiness of aircraft. An airworthiness certif [..]

(n) a vehicle that can fly

The term "aircraft" is used to refer to both airplanes and helicopters.

A craft that flies in the air; either fixed or rotory wing.

A weight-carrying structure for navigation of the air that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the dynamic action of the air against its surfaces. (Webster, 1973)

A weight-carrying structure for navigation of the air that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the dynamic action of the air against its surfaces. (Webster, 1973)

vehicle used for flying.

"Aircraft" means any contrivance used or designed for navigation of or flight in the air, but does not mean a one-person motorless glider that is launched from the earth's surface solel [..]

Any machine capable of atmospheric flight. May be heavier or lighter than air.

A weight-carrying structure for navigation of the air that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the dynamic action of the air against its surfaces. (12 Dec 1998)

means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air

A craft that flies in the air; either fixed or rotary wing.

a flying machine holding in the air using the interaction with air, if it does not involve the interaction of air with land or water surfaces.

The term aircraft refers to fixed wing and rotary wing powered aircraft and balloons.

A craft that flies in the air; either fixed or rotory wing.

A machine used for flight which gains lift or support from the air.