slipstream

American  

[slip-streem] / ˈslɪpˌstrim /

noun

1. Aeronautics. the airstream pushed back by a revolving aircraft propeller.

2. the airstream generating reduced air pressure and forward suction directly behind a rapidly moving vehicle.

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verb (used without object)

1. to ride in the slipstream of a fast-moving vehicle.

slipstream British  

/ ˈslɪpˌstriːm /

noun

1. Also called: airstream.   race. 

   1. the stream of air forced backwards by an aircraft propeller

   2. a stream of air behind any moving object

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verb

1. motor racing to follow (another car, etc) closely in order to take advantage of the decreased wind resistance immediately behind it

Etymology

Origin of slipstream

First recorded in 1910–15; slip ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

He brushed off the threat of the slipstream from those behind on the long run to the first corner and dodged the mayhem that unfolded behind.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2025

Following in the slipstream of the superstars of K-pop, K-beauty has become a massive global business.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

Norris said: "I was confident after yesterday - 0.3secs is just slipstream and not being first out of the pit lane. It was a decent lap, so I'm happy."

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

Norris now faces the same problem Piastri had in the sprint - giving the driver behind him the slipstream on the run up to the Les Combes chicane on the first lap.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

“It’s all righ’, Harry!” bellowed Hagrid, now thrown flat onto his back by the surge of speed; nobody was steering now, and the sidecar was starting to twist violently in the bike’s slipstream.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling