What does slipstreaming mean?
Slipstreaming originally refers to a technique in motor racing and cycling in which a participant follows closely behind another vehicle. The leading vehicle creates an aerodynamic wake that can reduce the follower’s wind resistance, allowing the follower to travel faster or use less energy. The term can also describe a less literal strategy: benefiting from another person's or organisation’s progress, influence, or momentum. In sporting contexts, slipstreaming is a normal tactical practice and is often combined with words such as “behind,” “vehicle,” “rider,” and “draft.” In business, political, and cultural discussions, the word often suggests following a successful example closely enough to gain an advantage without making an equivalent contribution of one's own. It is therefore more than a simple description of moving behind something; it implies gaining an efficiency or benefit from another’s forward motion.
The practice of moving closely behind another vehicle in order to benefit from its aerodynamic wake, especially in racing or cycling; also, figuratively, the act of benefiting from someone else's momentum.
"He took the slipstream of the car ahead and closed the gap."
The figurative use often carries a mildly critical implication.
To follow closely behind another vehicle to benefit from its aerodynamic wake, or, figuratively, to benefit from another person's or organisation's progress.
"The riders slipstreamed the lead motorcycle before launching their attack."
The figurative use usually implies following someone else's success closely enough to gain an advantage.
The noun is normally used in the singular or as an uncountable activity; the plural is uncommon.
"The article discusses several slipstreamings behind successful campaigns."
In racing and cycling, following closely can make you faster: the vehicle ahead acts as a windbreak, but its slipstream can also help you overtake it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slipstreaming come from?
Slipstreaming is a compound formed from “slip” and “stream.” The word refers to the stream of air behind a moving vehicle, also called its slipstream. Its use for the aerodynamic technique developed with the vocabulary of motor racing and later became common in cycling and other endurance sports. The metaphorical sense of following another person's success is a later extension of the physical meaning.
Related word forms
How slipstreaming is actually used
The term is common in motor racing, cycling, and aerodynamics. In general business and media contexts, it usually has a mildly critical or metaphorical tone, suggesting an unoriginal advantage gained from someone else's work.