seaplane

noun

sea·​plane ˈsē-ˌplān How to pronounce seaplane (audio)
Synonyms of seaplanenext
: an airplane designed to take off from and land on the water

Examples of seaplane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On January 22, the 19-year-old and eight other crew members were aboard a PBY-5 Catalina seaplane that crashed during takeoff near the present-day Republic of Vanuatu, in the South Pacific Ocean. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 1 May 2026 This island is farther flung than most, but the 35-minute flight by seaplane from Mal gives a spectacular view of the atolls at 5000 feet. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 Dry Tortugas National Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and remote location, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 The nearest big city, Vancouver, was an hour’s seaplane ride away. Laura Dannen Redman, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seaplane

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seaplane was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seaplane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seaplane. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

seaplane

noun
sea·​plane ˈsē-ˌplān How to pronounce seaplane (audio)
: an airplane designed to take off from and land on the water
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