What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
airship
Example
The Hindenburg was a famous airship that tragically crashed in 1937. [airship: noun]
Example
We took an airship tour of the city and saw all the major landmarks from above. [airship: adjective]
dirigible
Example
The Goodyear Blimp is a famous dirigible used for advertising and aerial coverage of sporting events. [dirigible: noun]
Example
The pilot expertly maneuvered the dirigible through the stormy weather. [dirigible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Airship is more commonly used than dirigible in everyday language. Airship is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while dirigible is more technical and formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between airship and dirigible?
Dirigible has a more formal and technical tone, making it more suitable for academic or professional writing. Airship can be used in both formal and informal contexts.