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Definition of wheelchair

wheelchair

/ˈwiːlˌtʃɛr/
Plural:wheelchairs
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wheelchair Lexical Profile

wheelchair Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A chair fitted with wheels, used as a primary means of mobility and transport by a person who is unable to walk due to illness, injury, or disability.

Example

"The newly renovated library features smooth ramps and wide aisles to ensure full accessibility for anyone using a wheelchair."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wheelchair

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern, respectful usage, the phrase 'wheelchair user' is strongly preferred over 'wheelchair-bound' or 'confined to a wheelchair,' which are increasingly considered outdated and ableist.

• Nearby Words

wheel
wheelbarrow
wheelbase
wheelchair
wheeled
wheeler
wheelhouse

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'wheel' and 'chair', first recorded in English in the late 17th century to describe chairs specifically adapted with wheels for those unable to walk.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wheelchair. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wheelchair
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