stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

plural stabilizers

: one that stabilizes something: such as

a

: a substance added to another substance (such as an explosive or plastic) or to a system (such as an emulsion) to prevent or delay an unwanted alteration of physical state

b

: a gyroscope device to keep ships steady in a heavy sea

c

: an airfoil providing stability for an airplane

specifically : the fixed horizontal member of the tail assembly see airplane illustration

Examples of stabilizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While many traditional inner-thigh exercises focus solely on squeezing motions, more effective adductor training also incorporates movements in multiple planes and challenges the muscles to work as stabilizers rather than just prime movers. —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025

Practicing yoga for mobility wakes up the smaller stabilizer muscles that gym-goers often overlook. —Julia Eskins, Outside, 22 Sep. 2025

These alternative sources of meaning act as stabilizers, ensuring their mental health isn’t tied solely to external metrics beyond their control. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

With details like removable stabilizers in the knee sleeve and a contoured, closed-heel design for the ankle, Flex Comfort products adapt to your needs while moving naturally with you. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stabilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer

Kids Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one (as a chemical or a device) that stabilizes something

especially : a fixed surface for stabilizing the motion of an airplane

Medical Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er

variants also British stabiliser

ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one that stabilizes something

especially : a substance added to another substance or to a system (as an emulsion) to prevent or retard an unwanted alteration of physical state