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Definition of sailplane

sailplane

/ˈseɪl.pleɪn/
sail · plane
Plural:sailplanes
•
Past Simple:sailplaned
•
Past Participle:sailplaned
•
Present Participle:sailplaning
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sailplane Lexical Profile

sailplane Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lightweight, aerodynamically streamlined glider designed for sustained flight using rising air currents and thermals rather than an engine.

Example

"The pilot rode a column of warm rising air to keep the sailplane aloft for several hours."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sailplane

• verb

1

To fly or travel in a sailplane or glider.

Example

"Every summer, aviation enthusiasts gather in the valley to sailplane along the mountain ridges."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sailplane

• Rhymes for sailplane

• Nearby Words

sailor
sailorlike
sailorman
sailplane
saindoux
saint
saint john

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a compound of "sail" and "plane," modeled after the German term Segelflugzeug (literally "sail-aircraft").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sailplane. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sailplane
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