glide slope
noun
1
: the proper path of descent for an aircraft preparing to land
especially
: such a path indicated by a radio beam
2
: the radio beam that marks a glide slope
Examples of glide slope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This allows for Bombardier’s latest Global models to land at speeds associated with much smaller jets and gives them a steeper glide slope than other long-range counterparts.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
Two of the field’s approach lighting systems for the runway, which help to direct a pilot on the correct glide slope and to line up with the runway, were also down, and had been since October.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Is there a standard glide slope that is supposed to be used?
—John Cox, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2021
From the late 1940s, ground stations began broadcasting omnidirectional VHF signals that planes could lock on to, while shorter-range systems indicated safe glide slopes to help pilots land.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2021
The city believes keeping aircraft arriving into Long Beach Airport at the 3-degree glide slope may result in reduced noise for its residents.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
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Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
Two of the field’s approach lighting systems for the runway, which help to direct a pilot on the correct glide slope and to line up with the runway, were also down, and had been since October.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Is there a standard glide slope that is supposed to be used?
—John Cox, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2021
From the late 1940s, ground stations began broadcasting omnidirectional VHF signals that planes could lock on to, while shorter-range systems indicated safe glide slopes to help pilots land.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2021
The city believes keeping aircraft arriving into Long Beach Airport at the 3-degree glide slope may result in reduced noise for its residents.
—Priscella Vega, latimes.com, 28 June 2019
Cite this Entry
“Glide slope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glide%20slope. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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