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
Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2025
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2025
Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2025
Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
—Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroplane
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Noun
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2025
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2025
Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
—Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroplane
Cite this Entry
“Hydroplane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroplane. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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