sailplane

noun

sail·​plane ˈsāl-ˌplān How to pronounce sailplane (audio)
Synonyms of sailplanenext
: a glider of such design that it is able to rise in an upward air current
sailplane intransitive verb
sailplaner noun

Examples of sailplane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The same tendency also affects drones, with the original $1 million Predator, a simple uncrewed sailplane with a camera, morphing into the $22 million Reaper. — David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2023 Keen interest centered on the performance of a Nelson Dragonfly sailplane, entered in the meet by Gus Briegleb, of Van Nuys. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sailplane was in 1922

Rhymes for sailplane

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sailplane
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“Sailplane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailplane. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

sailplane

noun
sail·​plane ˈsā(ə)l-ˌplān How to pronounce sailplane (audio)
: a glider designed to rise in an upward current of air

More from Merriam-Webster on sailplane

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sailplane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sailplane

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