hydroplane

1 of 2

noun

hy·​dro·​plane ˈhī-drə-ˌplān How to pronounce hydroplane (audio)
1
: a powerboat designed for racing that skims the surface of the water
2

hydroplane

2 of 2

verb

hydroplaned; hydroplaning; hydroplanes

intransitive verb

: to skim on water
especially, of a vehicle : to skid on a wet surface (such as pavement) because a film of water on the surface causes the tires to lose contact with it

Examples of hydroplane in a Sentence

Verb The car started hydroplaning and skidded off the road.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control. Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025 Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025 The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hydroplane

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydroplane was in 1904

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydroplane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroplane. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hydroplane

noun
hy·​dro·​plane
ˈhī-drə-ˌplān
1
: a speedboat whose hull is completely or partly out of the water as it skims the water
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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