airplane mode
noun
variants
US airplane mode
or British aeroplane mode
: an operating mode for an electronic device (such as a mobile phone) in which the device does not connect to wireless networks and cannot send or receive communications (such as calls or text messages) or access the Internet but remains usable for other functions
Today [in 2009], airlines may let passengers use newer-model cell phones in what's called "airplane" mode, which essentially disables the transmission function so they can't make calls. … FAA guidance allows cell phone calls once the plane has landed and is taxiing to the gate.—
Air Safety Week
Air Safety WeekNow, I do all I can to ensure that I have a calm and productive morning. I keep my phone in the kitchen overnight, often not turning it off airplane mode until I start work.—Benjamin Spall
Benjamin SpallExamples of airplane mode in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It has been known for people to put the device in airplane mode and disconnect from the internet so as to prevent it from being blocked remotely.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024
In other cases, they must be left in backpacks on airplane mode.
—Victoria Le, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024
Go to your settings and turn on airplane mode for at least 15 seconds, according to Apple Support.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Sep. 2024
These include screens for media controls, smart home commands, and connectivity (airplane mode, Bluetooth, and cellular data).
—Gabriel Zamora, PCMAG, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for airplane mode 
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Davey Winder, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024
In other cases, they must be left in backpacks on airplane mode.
—Victoria Le, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024
Go to your settings and turn on airplane mode for at least 15 seconds, according to Apple Support.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Sep. 2024
These include screens for media controls, smart home commands, and connectivity (airplane mode, Bluetooth, and cellular data).
—Gabriel Zamora, PCMAG, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for airplane mode
Dictionary Entries Near airplane mode
Cite this Entry
“Airplane mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airplane%20mode. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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