hy·dro·plane
ˈhī-drə-ˌplān 
1
: a powerboat designed for racing that skims the surface of the water
2
: seaplane
hydroplaned; hydroplaning; hydroplanes
: 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
Mark Debruyckere, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2024
Advertisement While being inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame last month, Johnson was offered a chance to drive Muncey’s famed Atlas Van Lines unlimited hydroplane by the National Unlimited Hydroplane and Racing Boat Hall of Fame and the Muncey family.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2024
Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 27 Sep. 2024
To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, slow down and avoid braking hard or turning quickly.
—Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hydroplane 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Noun
Rain may cause tires to hydroplane at certain speeds, which means the vehicle is literally driving on water.
—Mark Debruyckere, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2024
Advertisement While being inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame last month, Johnson was offered a chance to drive Muncey’s famed Atlas Van Lines unlimited hydroplane by the National Unlimited Hydroplane and Racing Boat Hall of Fame and the Muncey family.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2024
Verb
Drivers should anticipate traffic delays during morning and afternoon commutes and be mindful of the risk of hydroplaning, Gordon said.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 27 Sep. 2024
To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, slow down and avoid braking hard or turning quickly.
—Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hydroplane
Dictionary Entries Near hydroplane
Cite this Entry
“Hydroplane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroplane. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share