Definition

Noun: A chair mounted on wheels, designed for use by a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty walking. It is typically propelled by the occupant pushing the wheels by hand or by an attendant, or powered by a motor.

Usage

The word "wheelchair" is used to refer to the mobility device itself. It is a countable noun. - She uses a wheelchair to get around the city. - The building has wheelchair access via a ramp. - He propelled his wheelchair down the corridor.

Advanced Usage

• "wheelchair user": A person who uses a wheelchair.
  • The new policy ensures equal opportunities for wheelchair users.
• "wheelchair-bound": (Note: This term is often considered outdated or offensive as it defines a person by their equipment. "Wheelchair user" is generally preferred.)
  • The article described him as a wheelchair-bound veteran. (Potentially problematic usage)
• "wheelchair accessible": Designed or modified to be usable by people in wheelchairs.
  • The hotel room is fully wheelchair accessible.

Variants and Related Words

• Motorized wheelchair / Power wheelchair (n): A wheelchair powered by a battery and motor, controlled by a joystick or other interface.
  • After his injury, he switched to a power wheelchair for greater independence.
• Wheelchair ramp (n): A sloping surface installed to allow wheelchair users to overcome a vertical distance.
  • They installed a wheelchair ramp at the entrance.

Synonyms

• Mobility chair: A more general term that can include wheelchairs and scooters.
• Invalid chair: An older, now less common term for a wheelchair.

Related Phrases

• Confined to a wheelchair: An expression meaning a person uses a wheelchair for mobility. (Similar to "wheelchair-bound," this phrasing can be seen as defining the person by their limitation.)
  • After the accident, he was confined to a wheelchair. (Potentially problematic phrasing)
• In a wheelchair: A neutral phrase describing a person's current state of using a wheelchair.
  • I saw a man in a wheelchair waiting for the bus.

Noun

1. a movable chair mounted on large wheels; for invalids or those who cannot walk; frequently propelled by the occupant