stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

plural stabilizers

: one that stabilizes something: such as

a

: a substance added to another substance (such as an explosive or plastic) or to a system (such as an emulsion) to prevent or delay an unwanted alteration of physical state

b

: a gyroscope device to keep ships steady in a heavy sea

c

: an airfoil providing stability for an airplane

specifically : the fixed horizontal member of the tail assembly see airplane illustration

Examples of stabilizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For a country that once cast itself as a continental stabilizer, the optics are damaging. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 June 2026

The crash occurred in May 2024 after a skydiver’s parachute deployed over the plane’s tail, striking the stabilizer and sending the aircraft out of control, according to an NTSB report. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026

The heel stabilizer, tongue Jumpman logo and lower and upper eyelet regions all arrive in orange. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 June 2026

The bridge pose tests the endurance and coordination of the glutes, hamstrings, core, and pelvic stabilizers. — Christa Sgobba, Health, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stabilizer

• mood stabilizer

Rhymes for stabilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer
• merchandiser

Kids Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one (as a chemical or a device) that stabilizes something

especially : a fixed surface for stabilizing the motion of an airplane

Medical Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er

variants also British stabiliser

ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one that stabilizes something

especially : a substance added to another substance or to a system (as an emulsion) to prevent or retard an unwanted alteration of physical state