Dictionary.com

Popular Searches

 Thesaurus.com

slipstream

American  
[slip-streem] / ˈslɪpˌstrim /

noun

  1. Aeronautics. the airstream pushed back by a revolving aircraft propeller.

  2. the airstream generating reduced air pressure and forward suction directly behind a rapidly moving vehicle.

verb (used without object)

  1. to ride in the slipstream of a fast-moving vehicle.

slipstream British  
/ ˈslɪpˌstriːm /

noun

  1. Also called: airstream.   race. 

    1. the stream of air forced backwards by an aircraft propeller

    2. a stream of air behind any moving object

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. motor racing to follow (another car, etc) closely in order to take advantage of the decreased wind resistance immediately behind it

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of slipstream

First recorded in 1910–15; slip 1 + stream

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The upshot is that the Glasgow two are still trailing in Hearts' slipstream while looking over their shoulders at a Motherwell team who are looming large behind them.

From BBC

Following his intervention with the ball, Labuschagne eased into Head's slipstream.

From BBC

When the captain fell, Jonathan Trott eased into Cook's slipstream for an unbeaten 135.

From BBC

He brushed off the threat of the slipstream from those behind on the long run to the first corner and dodged the mayhem that unfolded behind.

From BBC

In both races this weekend, it almost seemed to be a disadvantage to qualify on pole because of the slipstream on such a long straight.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.