Messerschmitt

American

[mes-er-shmit] / ˈmɛs ərˌʃmɪt /

noun

any of several types of fighter aircraft extensively used by the German air force in World War II, especially the ME-109.

Messerschmitt British

/ ˈmɛsərˌʃmɪt /

noun

Willy (ˈvɪli). 1898–1978, German aeronautical engineer. His military planes figured prominently in World War II, including the Me-262, the first jet fighter

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Messerschmitt

1935–40; named after Willy Messerschmitt (1898–1978), German aircraft designer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Messerschmitt Bf 109,” a kid says.

From Literature

Spitfire MJ627 first entered service on 25 September 1944 and, just two days later, destroyed Messerschmitt Me 109 over Arnhem.

From BBC

Keith Miller, all-rounder in Don Bradman's Invincibles and a World War II pilot, once said pressure is a Messerschmitt on your tail - "playing cricket is not".

From BBC

In those exchanges over North Africa, Mr. Edwards flew U.S.-built P-40 Kittyhawk fighters, far heavier and slower than the German Messerschmitt Bf 109, which made his achievements all the more remarkable.

From Washington Post

A hangar containing a Messerschmitt?

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023