'airplane' originates from the combination of 'air' and 'plane,' where 'air' refers to the atmosphere and 'plane' refers to a flat surface or level.

'aeroplane' changed from the French word 'aéroplane' and eventually became the modern English word 'airplane.'

Initially, it meant 'a flat surface for flying,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a powered flying vehicle.'