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sailplane

American  
[seyl-pleyn] / ˈseɪlˌpleɪn /

noun

  1. a very light glider that can be lifted by an upward current of air.


verb (used without object)

sailplaned, sailplaning
  1. to soar in a sailplane.

sailplane British  
/ ˈseɪlˌpleɪn /

noun

  1. a high-performance glider

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of sailplane

First recorded in 1920–25; sail + plane 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Club members wanted to show me what it felt like to ride in a glider, also called a sailplane, and how it can offer a new and different perspective of the world.

From Washington Times • Apr. 12, 2017

With instruction and training, anyone can become a licensed pilot for a sailplane, Grace said.

From Washington Times • Apr. 12, 2017

The altitude record of 42,100 ft. was not made in a pressurized sailplane ; the pilot, however, used a pressure-demand oxygen system.

From Time Magazine Archive

A middle-aged businessman in a stiletto-winged sailplane, or conventional glider, weaves figure eights.

From Time Magazine Archive

He turned quickly and pointed at Freddy Soligen, who, already seated in the sailplane, was watching them, his face not revealing his qualms.

From Frigid Fracas by Reynolds, Mack

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