Sailplane - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A sailplane is a lightweight glider aircraft designed to fly without an engine, using rising air currents to stay aloft. It is often used for recreation, training, or competitive soaring.
Definition:
A lightweight glider designed for sustained flight without an engine.
Synonyms:
glider, sailplane aircraft, motorless plane
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
powered aircraft, jet plane
Common Collocations:
launch a sailplane, fly a sailplane, sailplane pilot, sailplane competition
Derivatives:
sailplaning, sailplaner
Usage Tips:
Use "sailplane" to refer specifically to engineless gliders used for recreational or competitive flying.
Common Phrases:
soar like a sailplane, ride the thermals in a sailplane
Etymology:
Derived from "sail" (for gliding) + "plane" (aircraft), first recorded in the early 20th century.
Examples:
- 1. The pilot expertly maneuvered the sailplane through the thermal currents.
- 2. We watched the sleek sailplane glide silently across the sky.
- 3. Learning to fly a sailplane requires patience and skill.
- 4. The sailplane competition attracted enthusiasts from around the world.