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

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

In both races this weekend, it almost seemed to be a disadvantage to qualify on pole because of the slipstream on such a long straight.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2025

Norris said: "I was confident after yesterday - 0.3secs is just slipstream and not being first out of the pit lane. It was a decent lap, so I'm happy."

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

The owl was so small, in fact, that it kept tumbling over in the air, buffeted this way and that in the train’s slipstream.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling