hydroplane

[ hahy-druh-pleyn ]

noun

1. a seaplane.
2. an attachment to an airplane enabling it to glide on the water.
3. a light, high-powered boat, especially one with hydrofoils or a stepped bottom, designed to plane along the surface of the water at very high speeds.
4. a horizontal rudder for submerging or elevating a submarine.

verb (used without object)

, hy·dro·planed, hy·dro·plan·ing.

1. to skim over water in the manner of a hydroplane.
2. to travel in a hydroplane.
3. Also (of a vehicular tire or vehicle) to ride on a film of water on a wet surface with a resulting decrease in braking and steering effectiveness.

hydroplane

/ ˈhaɪdrəʊˌpleɪn /

noun

1. a motorboat equipped with hydrofoils or with a shaped bottom that raises its hull out of the water at high speeds
2. an attachment to an aircraft to enable it to glide along the surface of water
3. another name (esp US) for a seaplane
4. a horizontal vane on the hull of a submarine for controlling its vertical motion

verb

1. intr (of a boat) to rise out of the water in the manner of a hydroplane

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydroplane¹

First recorded in 1900–05; hydro- ¹ + plane ¹

Example Sentences

H1 Unlimited called the new boat “one of the most technologically advanced Unlimited hydroplanes ever constructed” in a news release Wednesday, saying it is a “composite craft, utilizing carbon fiber and other advanced materials.”

From Seattle Times

The agency also says Tesla made safety updates after the recall fix was sent out, including an attempt to reduce crashes caused by hydroplaning and to reduce collisions in high speed turn lanes.

From Seattle Times

In Garfield County, Okla., severe weather destroyed some barns, felled trees and sent cars hydroplaning into ditches, but no one was injured, said Mike Honigsberg, the emergency management director for the county.

From New York Times

Two- and four-cylinder hydroplanes, averaging 8 feet in length and weighing 400 pounds including the driver and engine, sped along the river reaching speeds approaching 60 mph.

From Seattle Times

The nation’s only public museum dedicated solely to unlimited hydroplane racing, the nonprofit reaches beyond pure recreation to benefit children and wounded veterans, as well.

From Seattle Times