hydrofoil

noun

hy·​dro·​foil ˈhī-drə-ˌfȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce hydrofoil (audio)
Synonyms of hydrofoilnext
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

Illustration of hydrofoil
  • hydrofoil 2

Examples of hydrofoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This year, thousands of fans will be floating in spectator boats right beside the race, close enough to feel the spray and hear the hydrofoil. — Steve Overmyer, CBS News, 27 May 2026 When the wind dies, the F50s drop off their hydrofoils, settling into the water like heavy, sluggish geese. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 26 May 2026 SailGP features identical hydrofoil catamaran boats that can go more than 60 miles per hour. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 10 Dec. 2025 Reachable mostly via hydrofoil or ferry from Sicily (and, for some of them, the port of Naples), the group has long been a haven for in-the-know Italians. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrofoil

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrofoil was in 1919

Rhymes for hydrofoil

See All Rhymes for hydrofoil

Browse Nearby Words

hydrofluosilicic acid
hydrofoil
hydroformate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydrofoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrofoil. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hydrofoil

noun
hy·​dro·​foil ˈhī-drə-ˌfȯil How to pronounce hydrofoil (audio)
: a boat that has fins attached to the bottom by braces for lifting the hull clear of the water to allow faster speeds

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrofoil

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hydrofoil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrofoil

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