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

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

This year, thousands of fans will be floating in spectator boats right beside the race, close enough to feel the spray and hear the hydrofoil. —Steve Overmyer, CBS News, 27 May 2026

When the wind dies, the F50s drop off their hydrofoils, settling into the water like heavy, sluggish geese. —Andrew Rice, New York Times, 26 May 2026

Reachable mostly via hydrofoil or ferry from Sicily (and, for some of them, the port of Naples), the group has long been a haven for in-the-know Italians. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 May 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