slipstream

American  

[slip-streem] / ˈslɪpˌstrim /

noun

1. Aeronautics. the airstream pushed back by a revolving aircraft propeller.

2. the airstream generating reduced air pressure and forward suction directly behind a rapidly moving vehicle.

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verb (used without object)

1. to ride in the slipstream of a fast-moving vehicle.

slipstream British  

/ ˈslɪpˌstriːm /

noun

1. Also called: airstream.   race. 

   1. the stream of air forced backwards by an aircraft propeller

   2. a stream of air behind any moving object

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verb

1. motor racing to follow (another car, etc) closely in order to take advantage of the decreased wind resistance immediately behind it

Etymology

Origin of slipstream

First recorded in 1910–15; slip ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

The upshot is that the Glasgow two are still trailing in Hearts' slipstream while looking over their shoulders at a Motherwell team who are looming large behind them.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Red Bull used team-mate Yuki Tsunoda to give him a slipstream down the second back straight on his first lap, and the result was the fastest lap of the weekend by more than 0.4secs.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

Following in the slipstream of the superstars of K-pop, K-beauty has become a massive global business.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

But if the options are championing Drakeo’s inimitable talent and idiosyncratic character or allowing his body of work to fade into the endless algorithmic slipstream, it’s not a difficult choice.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2025

The newborn calf doesn’t have enough blubber to float, so it needs to be carried along in its mother’s slipstream.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin