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

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

"Committed a bit more through Eau Rouge and had the slipstream and got the run and that was it. Love to be up top but Oscar deserved it today."

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2025

Verstappen passed Piastri on the opening lap with a slipstream up the long Kemmel straight and used his Red Bull's straight-line advantage to hold the Australian at arm's length for the entire 15 laps.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

Norris now faces the same problem Piastri had in the sprint - giving the driver behind him the slipstream on the run up to the Les Combes chicane on the first lap.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 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