Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of glider: A light, engineless aircraft designed for sustained flight using only the natural rising currents of air (thermals) to gain altitude. It is characterized by long, slender wings for high aerodynamic efficiency.

2. Verb:

   • To fly a glider: To pilot or operate a sailplane, engaging in the sport or activity of gliding.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The pilot launched the sleek sailplane from the hilltop.
  • He spent the weekend assembling his new sailplane.

• Verb:

  • She learned to sailplane over the open countryside.
  • They hope to sailplane across the Alpine region next summer.

Advanced Usage

• "To go sailplaning": To engage in the activity of flying sailplanes.
  • His favorite hobby is to go sailplaning on calm weekends.

Variants and Related Words

• Glider (n): A broader term for any engineless, heavier-than-air aircraft; a sailplane is a high-performance type of glider.
• Soaring (n): The sport or technique of flying a glider or sailplane to gain altitude and travel long distances using atmospheric currents.
• Sailplaner (n): A person who flies a sailplane; a glider pilot.

Synonyms

• Noun: Glider, soaring plane.
• Verb: Glide, soar.

Related Phrases

• Thermal soaring: A technique where a sailplane gains altitude by circling within a column of rising warm air (a thermal).
  • The pilot used thermal soaring to keep the sailplane aloft for hours.

Noun

1. aircraft supported only by the dynamic action of air against its surfaces

Verb

1. fly a plane without an engine