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

The hydrofoil board, favored by Tom Brady, seemingly defies gravity at speeds up to 25 mph, with or without waves. —Lilian Raji, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Candela launched a ferry in Stockholm this year that uses a hydrofoil system suited for electrification. —Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

Salzmann and Podlipnik started by gradually adapting the concept of a hydrofoil to this very different use case. —New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2024

This innovative craft combines elements of boats, hydrofoils and aircraft to create a unique and efficient mode of transport. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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