hydrofoil

noun

hy·​dro·​foil ˈhī-drə-ˌfȯi(-ə)l 

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

• hydrofoil 2

Examples of hydrofoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Lemoore facility uses a mechanical hydrofoil that travels along a roughly 2,300-foot lagoon to generate waves. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Rather than relying on brute force, the Candela C-8 achieves impressive performance through hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Both versions employ three hydrofoils that lift the carbon-fiber hull above the water, reducing drag while improving comfort, performance, and efficiency. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 June 2026

He's considered one of the planet’s most versatile watermen, with accolades that include eight-time stand-up paddle world champion, hydrofoil pioneer, and big-wave master. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hydrofoil

• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• quatrefoil
• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil

Kids Definition

hydrofoil

noun

hy·​dro·​foil ˈhī-drə-ˌfȯil 

: a boat that has fins attached to the bottom by braces for lifting the hull clear of the water to allow faster speeds