Dirigible/ˈdɪrɪdʒəbl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Historic Vehicles Dirigibles were popular before modern airplanes and helicopters. Dirigibles are rarely used today, unlike their heyday in the early 20th century. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Zeppelins While similar, not all dirigibles are Zeppelins; Zeppelin is a specific brand. We spotted a dirigible, but it wasn't the famous Zeppelin. Pro Tip 3/3Gas Type Matters Dirigibles are often associated with hydrogen, but helium is used today for safety. Modern dirigibles avoid hydrogen due to the Hindenburg disaster.