hydroplane

1 of 2

noun

hy·​dro·​plane ˈhī-drə-ˌplān 

1

: a powerboat designed for racing that skims the surface of the water

2

: seaplane

hydroplane

2 of 2

verb

hydroplaned; hydroplaning; hydroplanes

intransitive verb

: to skim on water

especially, of a vehicle : to skid on a wet surface (such as pavement) because a film of water on the surface causes the tires to lose contact with it

Examples of hydroplane in a Sentence

Verb

The car started hydroplaning and skidded off the road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

What to do if your car starts skidding If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, the DMV said, ease your foot off the gas to slow down gradually and avoid slamming on the brakes. —Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2026

Verb

Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. —Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

hydro- + -plane (in aeroplane)

Verb

derivative of hydroplane entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydroplane

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane

Kids Definition

hydroplane

noun

hy·​dro·​plane

ˈhī-drə-ˌplān

1

: a speedboat whose hull is completely or partly out of the water as it skims the water

2

: seaplane