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

The following day, two United Airlines planes collided at Chicago O'Hare International Airport when one plane's wing clipped another plane's rear stabilizer on the tarmac. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025

Those who believe a weak tongue may be the culprit will need to look to tongue stabilizers, sometimes called tongue covers, sleeves or tubes. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025

An internal compression pad and multiple pockets help maximize packing space in this lightweight spinner, which is crafted from water-repellent nylon and boasts a proprietary stabilizer to prevent wobbling. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025

Woolf said that those with the condition may also be given antidepressants to treat low mood or mood stabilizers to manage manic symptoms, which can include elevated mood, impulsive behavior and sleep difficulties. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 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