Gliding
/ˈɡlaɪdɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo move smoothly and continuously, often without a visible application of power.
/ˈɡlaɪdɪŋ/
To move smoothly and continuously along, typically with little effort or sound.
The sailboat was gliding across the water.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bird soaring through the air, or a boat traveling on the water without using the engine. That's gliding! It's like moving super smoothly and easily.
👶 For kids: Moving smoothly and easily, like a bird flying through the air without flapping its wings.
More Examples
She enjoyed gliding down the snowy slope on her skis.
The hawk was gliding in circles above the meadow, searching for prey.
The airship glided gracefully over the city.
How It's Used
"The plane was gliding effortlessly through the clear air."
"She was gliding across the ice with grace."
The action or process of moving smoothly and continuously.
/ˈɡlaɪdɪŋ/
The act or an instance of gliding.
The gliding of the eagle through the thermals was a beautiful sight.
💡 Simply: Gliding is the action of moving smoothly. Think of it like a boat sailing with the wind.
👶 For kids: The action of moving smoothly and gently.
More Examples
She had a natural talent for gliding on the ice.
The aircraft was forced into a glide after the engine failed.
The graceful gliding of the dancer captivated the audience.
How It's Used
"The pilot performed a perfect gliding maneuver to land the plane safely."
"The gliding competition was a thrilling spectacle."
From Middle English *gliden*, from Old English *glīdan* 'to glide, slide', from Proto-Germanic *glīdaną*. Cognate with Dutch *glijden*, German *gleiten*.
The term 'gliding' has been used since the 16th century, referring to the act of moving smoothly.
Memory tip
Think of a swan gracefully moving across a lake; it's gliding!
Word Origin
"to glide, slide"