1. followed closely behind another vehicle to reduce air resistance and save energy
Usage: automotive; cycling
2. took advantage of someone else’s efforts or success to achieve one’s own goals with less effort
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The cyclist slipstreamed behind the lead rider to conserve energy.
• The race car slipstreamed the vehicle ahead to gain speed on the straightaway.
• The startup slipstreamed the larger company’s marketing campaign.
• She slipstreamed her colleague’s research to complete her own project faster.
• The smaller birds slipstreamed behind the larger ones during migration.
• He slipstreamed the popular trend to boost his social media following.