English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

slipstream

SLIHP-streem

Slipstream (noun) means the pocket of reduced air pressure and turbulence directly behind a fast-moving vehicle or object. Example: “The cyclist tucked into the leader's slipstream to save energy.”

noun
1
The pocket of reduced air pressure and turbulence directly behind a fast-moving vehicle or object.
"The cyclist tucked into the leader's slipstream to save energy."
verb
1
To follow closely behind a moving object or person to take advantage of the reduced air resistance or momentum they create.
"The second car slipstreamed the leader for the whole final lap."

How to use slipstream

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe trailing pocket of air behind something moving fast, or the act of tucking into it to save effort.

Common pairings
ride in the slipstream slipstream effect

Word forms

slipstreamed past tense, slipstreams plural, slipstreams singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “slipstream” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The cyclist tucked into the leader's _____ to save energy.

Etymology

A compound of "slip" and "stream," describing the flow of air left behind a moving object.

Related words

Rhymes for slipstream

See all rhymes for slipstream →

Frequently asked questions

What does “slipstream” mean?

The word “slipstream” means the pocket of reduced air pressure and turbulence directly behind a fast-moving vehicle or object. In plain terms, the trailing pocket of air behind something moving fast, or the act of tucking into it to save effort.

How do you pronounce “slipstream”?

“Slipstream” is pronounced SLIHP-streem (/ˈslɪp.stɹiːm/ in IPA).

How do you use “slipstream” in a sentence?

Here is “slipstream” used in a sentence: “The cyclist tucked into the leader's slipstream to save energy.”

What part of speech is “slipstream”?

Depending on how it is used, “slipstream” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “slipstream” have?

“Slipstream” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the pocket of reduced air pressure and turbulence directly behind a fast-moving vehicle or object.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial