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

Finally, be aware that fuel stabilizer also has a shelf life, so check the label for the expiration date. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2025

The stabilizer works by preventing rust and absorbs moisture to protect the fuel tank. —Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 15 Dec. 2025

California lawmakers have considered many of the ways in which both junk and ultraprocessed foods may be harmful to human health — ingredients such as nonnutritive sweeteners; additives such as emulsifiers, stabilizers and thickeners; flavor enhancers; a host of food dyes and more. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 Dec. 2025

This waste contains a variety of substances—including leftover dyes, additives, plasticizers, stabilizers and degradation by-products. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 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