1. a glider aircraft designed for soaring flight without an engine
Usage: aviation

1. to pilot a sailplane or glide through the air
Usage: aviation

Examples

• The sailplane caught a thermal and climbed higher into the sky.
• She learned to fly a sailplane at the local gliding club.
• The pilot released the sailplane from the tow rope at 3,000 feet.
• He spent the afternoon sailplaning over the countryside.
• The sailplane’s long wings help it stay aloft for hours.
• They watched the sailplane circle gracefully overhead.
• The competition featured sailplanes from around the world.