sweepback

[sweep-bak]

noun

Aeronautics.

1. the shape of, or the angle formed by, an airplane wing or other airfoil the leading or trailing edge of which slopes backward from the fuselage.

sweepback

/ ˈswiːpˌbæk /

noun

1. the rearward inclination of a component or surface, such as an aircraft wing, fin, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweepback¹

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase sweep back

Example Sentences

When the wings are fully extended, they have hardly any sweepback, and the airplane looks oddly oldfashioned.

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Sweepback is meant to minimize the dangerous effects of shock waves at high speed.

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