glider

American  

[glahy-der] / ˈglaɪ dər /

noun

1. a motorless, heavier-than-air aircraft for gliding from a higher to a lower level by the action of gravity or from a lower to a higher level by the action of air currents.

2. a porch swing made of an upholstered seat suspended from a steel framework by links or springs.

3. a person or thing that glides.

4. a person who pilots a glider.

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glider British  

/ ˈɡlaɪdə /

noun

1. an aircraft capable of gliding and soaring in air currents without the use of an engine See also sailplane

2. a person or thing that glides

3. another name for flying phalanger

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Etymology

Origin of glider

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; glide, -er ¹

Example Sentences

"The glider patrols through the depths of the ocean monitoring and listening for adversaries that might be in the area," says Fathom's programme manager Katie Raine.

From BBC

By the mid-1980s, Meyer was wealthy enough to retire, at age 59, to pursue his hobbies, which included flying airplanes and gliders.

From The Wall Street Journal

The thing looked like a glider with a jet engine, its wings twice as long as its body, so long they drooped when the plane was at rest.

From Literature

Mr O'Neill said all glider drivers should be full trained in ensuring the deployment of a ramp when needed.

From BBC

Collected by gliders, floats and drifters, these instruments provide valuable information about the most turbulent region of the hurricane environment, called the boundary layer, where the air meets the ocean.

From BBC