glide

1 of 2

verb

ˈglīd 

glided; gliding

intransitive verb

1

: to move smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly

swans gliding over the lake

2

: to go or pass imperceptibly

hours glided by

3

a

of an airplane : to descend gradually in controlled flight

b

: to fly in a glider

4

: to produce a glide (as in music or speech)

transitive verb

: to cause to glide

glide

2 of 2

noun

1

: a calm stretch of shallow water flowing smoothly

2

: the act or action of gliding

3

: portamento

4

a

: a less prominent vowel sound produced by the passing of the vocal organs to or from the articulatory position of a speech sound compare diphthong

b

: semivowel

5

: a device for facilitating movement of something

especially : a circular usually metal button attached to the bottom of furniture legs to provide a smooth surface

Synonyms

Verb

• bowl
• breeze
• brush
• coast
• cruise
• drift
• flow
• roll
• sail
• skim
• slide
• slip
• stream
• sweep
• whisk

Examples of glide in a Sentence

Verb

The swans glided over the surface of the lake.

We watched the skiers glide down the slope.

The pilot glided to a safe landing after the engine failed.

The pilot glided the plane to a safe landing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This lip product glides on seamlessly across your lips, creating a reflective finish that will capture the light and attention of everyone around you. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

After gliding through the dance floor and hitting her marks, Ilona even conquered her ultimate fear by killing off her partner Alan. —Esther Kang, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Noun

Over the past week, the Russian Federation has launched a significant assault on Ukraine, deploying 900 glide bombs, 500 Shahed drones, and 30 missiles. —Katya Soldak, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

For a few exhilarating moments, time slows as the whales and boat glide next to one another. —Carolyn Wells, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English glīdan; akin to Old High German glītan to glide

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing glide

• glide path
• glide slope

Kids Definition

glide

verb

ˈglīd

glided; gliding

1

: to move smoothly, silently, and effortlessly

2

: to descend gradually without enough engine power for level flight

glide in an airplane

glide noun