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

Dave Villwock has found a new seat in an unlimited hydroplane.

From Seattle Times

When Villwock, 70, drives the boat, he will become the oldest driver in unlimited hydroplane history.

From Seattle Times

Ryan Burks helped his son Ryder, 11, in and out of the hydroplane they built through the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum’s J-Hydro program.

From Seattle Times

For those whose recreational interests lean more toward the nautical, the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent offers a range of programs and displays that both inspire and entertain.

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