hydrofoil

noun

hy·​dro·​foil ˈhī-drə-ˌfȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce hydrofoil (audio)
1
: a body similar to an airfoil but designed for action in or on water
2
: a motorboat that has metal plates or fins attached by struts fore and aft for lifting the hull clear of the water as speed is attained

Illustration of hydrofoil

Illustration of hydrofoil
  • hydrofoil 2

Examples of hydrofoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hydrofoil tested in the study carried two rows of these coils, each powered by small electrical motors called actuators. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 Once on its hydrofoil, a Candela boat can go much further on the same battery capacity as a conventional vessel without this technology. James Morris, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025 Regent explains that the hydrofoils allow the Vicreroy to operate like a boat outside harbor areas, giving it the speed, maneuverability and choppy water stability that failed ekranoplans lacked. New Atlas, 9 July 2025 The hydrofoil technology of the F50s gives them the ability to travel at more than 50 knots. Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hydrofoil

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrofoil was in 1919

Cite this Entry

“Hydrofoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrofoil. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

hydrofoil

noun
hy·​dro·​foil ˈhī-drə-ˌfȯil How to pronounce hydrofoil (audio)
: a boat that has fins attached to the bottom by braces for lifting the hull clear of the water to allow faster speeds

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrofoil

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