aquaplane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Low frequencyFormal/Technical in transport/automotive contexts; Informal in recreational contexts.
Quick answer
What does “aquaplane” mean?
A board for riding on water, towed by a motorboat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A board for riding on water, towed by a motorboat; to ride on such a board; to skid uncontrollably on a wet road surface.
Primary modern usage refers to the loss of control of a vehicle when a film of water builds up between the tires and the road surface. The recreational water sport meaning is less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The vehicular skid sense is dominant in both varieties, but slightly more common in UK English due to frequent wet weather discussions. The recreational board sense is understood but niche.
Connotations
In automotive contexts, connotes danger and loss of control. In recreational contexts, connotes fun, sport, and summer activities.
Frequency
Low-frequency word overall. Most likely encountered in driving manuals, weather warnings, or historical/cultural discussions of water sports.
Grammar
How to Use “aquaplane” in a Sentence
Vehicle + aquaplanes + (on wet surface)Driver + aquaplaned + (round the bend)Car + began to aquaplaneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aquaplane” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- In the 1920s, an aquaplane was a popular seaside attraction.
- The primary cause of the crash was aquaplaning on the newly resurfaced road.
American English
- The antique aquaplane was displayed at the maritime museum.
- Hydroplaning is a major cause of wet-weather accidents. (Note: 'hydroplaning' as gerund/noun is common)
verb
British English
- The lorry aquaplaned across two lanes before the driver regained control.
- Heavy spray can cause even modern cars to aquaplane.
American English
- The SUV hydroplaned on the freeway during the downpour. (Note: 'hydroplane' is more common in US for this sense)
- If you feel the car beginning to aquaplane, ease off the accelerator.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in logistics/transport risk assessments.
Academic
In physics/engineering papers on tire-road interaction.
Everyday
In conversations about driving in heavy rain.
Technical
Standard term in automotive safety, driving theory, and highway engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aquaplane”
- Using as a transitive verb (*'The rain aquaplaned the car').
- Confusing with 'hydroplane' (which in US English is correct, in UK English 'hydroplane' is more specific to seaplanes).
- Misspelling as 'aqua plan' or 'aqua-plane'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the context of vehicular skidding, they are synonyms. 'Hydroplane' is the preferred term in American English. 'Aquaplane' is more common in British English. 'Hydroplane' also means a fast motorboat or seaplane.
No. It is strictly intransitive. The vehicle itself aquaplanes. You cannot 'aquaplane' an object.
Standard advice is to ease off the accelerator gradually, hold the steering wheel steady, and avoid sudden braking or steering until traction is regained.
It is largely historical or specialist. The activity was a precursor to waterskiing and wakeboarding. The word is rarely used for modern water sports equipment.
A board for riding on water, towed by a motorboat.
Aquaplane is usually formal/technical in transport/automotive contexts; informal in recreational contexts. in register.
Aquaplane: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæk.wə.pleɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑː.kwə.pleɪn/ / ˈæk.wə.pleɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PLANE made for AQUA (water). Now imagine your car turning into such a 'water plane' and skimming on the road's surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
VEHICLE IS A BOAT / LOSS OF CONTROL IS FLOATING
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern meaning of 'aquaplane' as a verb?