drogue parachute

[drohg par-uh-shoot]

noun

1. Also called drogue. a small parachute that deploys first in order to pull a larger parachute from its pack.

2. Also called drag parachute. a parachute used to slow a vehicle or aircraft.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drogue parachute¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Once the rocket reaches an altitude of about 8.3 miles up, it deploys a drogue parachute to slow its fall, followed by a main parachute.

Read more on The Verge

But once at a certain altitude, the Electron will deploy a drogue parachute and a main parachute to slow its fall.

Read more on The Verge

If the Electron makes it through, then it eventually deploys a drogue parachute and a large main parachute.

Read more on The Verge

The lander's main parachute was seen close by, and the lander's rear cover and drogue parachute appeared to be still attached to the lander's main body.

Read more on Scientific American

Attached to the center of the back of a dummy version test suit, however, the drogue parachute sent the suit into a violent propeller-like spin when it was deployed, which would have killed Mr. Eustace.

Read more on New York Times