glide

1 of 2

verb

ˈglīd 

glided; gliding

intransitive verb

1

: to move smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly

swans gliding over the lake

2

: to go or pass imperceptibly

hours glided by

3

a

of an airplane : to descend gradually in controlled flight

b

: to fly in a glider

4

: to produce a glide (as in music or speech)

transitive verb

: to cause to glide

glide

2 of 2

noun

1

: a calm stretch of shallow water flowing smoothly

2

: the act or action of gliding

3

: portamento

4

a

: a less prominent vowel sound produced by the passing of the vocal organs to or from the articulatory position of a speech sound compare diphthong

b

: semivowel

5

: a device for facilitating movement of something

especially : a circular usually metal button attached to the bottom of furniture legs to provide a smooth surface

Synonyms

Verb

• bowl
• breeze
• brush
• coast
• cruise
• drift
• flow
• roll
• sail
• skim
• slide
• slip
• stream
• sweep
• whisk

Examples of glide in a Sentence

Verb

The swans glided over the surface of the lake.

We watched the skiers glide down the slope.

The pilot glided to a safe landing after the engine failed.

The pilot glided the plane to a safe landing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The best formulas glide on with ease, camouflage without a trace, and stay put without creasing, fading, or oxidizing. —Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

Spooks glide from side to side across the surface, while Jitterbugs lean on a unique lip design to sputter across the water when reeled steadily. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 May 2024

Noun

Some Russian aircraft are releasing glide bombs from within Russia’s airspace to hit targets around Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine. —Edward Wong, New York Times, 31 May 2024

Just the night before, Russian glide bombs launched from aircraft in Russian airspace struck in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, located just 19 miles from the Russian border. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English glīdan; akin to Old High German glītan to glide

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing glide

• glide path
• glide slope

Kids Definition

glide

verb

ˈglīd

glided; gliding

1

: to move smoothly, silently, and effortlessly

2

: to descend gradually without enough engine power for level flight

glide in an airplane

glide noun