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

But a hydrofoil system can pull the seaglider up out of the water for a low-drag, high-efficiency path to takeoff, and the ground effect can radically boost range during flight. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2024

Flashy gold hydrofoils, a 27-knot top speed, and a record-breaking range of 420 nautical miles (with DC charging) are all part of the $450,000 package. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2024

Another €25 million is earmarked for the construction of a prototype self-driving boat, 12 meters long, that rides on hydrofoils (i.e., with the hull out of the water). —Luca Zorloni, WIRED, 26 July 2024

When the wind blows, a hydrofoil underneath lifts you out of the water. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 25 July 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