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.
Between Old Town and Navy Yard, a hydrofoil could take about 20 minutes, the summary said. — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 The Lemoore facility uses a mechanical hydrofoil that travels along a roughly 2,300-foot lagoon to generate waves. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Rather than relying on brute force, the Candela C-8 achieves impressive performance through hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026 Both versions employ three hydrofoils that lift the carbon-fiber hull above the water, reducing drag while improving comfort, performance, and efficiency. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 June 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

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Browse Nearby Words

hydrofluosilicic acid
hydrofoil
hydroformate
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Cite this Entry

“Hydrofoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrofoil. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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