What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glider
Example
The glider soared silently through the sky. [glider: noun]
Example
She enjoyed piloting the glider over the countryside. [glider: noun]
sailplane
Example
The sailplane stayed aloft for hours, riding the thermals. [sailplane: noun]
Example
He trained for months to become a skilled sailplane pilot. [sailplane: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Glider is a more commonly used term than sailplane in everyday language, as it is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts. Sailplane is a more specialized term that is primarily used in the context of recreational and competitive gliding.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between glider and sailplane?
Sailplane has a more technical and specialized connotation than glider, making it more appropriate for formal or technical contexts. However, both terms can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
