ENGLISH
REFERENCE

glide

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɫaɪd// UK //ɡlˈaɪd// glide

v. to move smoothly and easily, as if you are sliding on ice or flying without using much power.

v. to move in a smooth, effortless manner, often without apparent propulsion or friction.


SIMPLE

The skaters glide across the ice with grace.

CONTEXTUAL

The eagle began to glide over the valley, using the warm air currents to stay aloft without flapping its wings.

COMPLEX

The swan appeared to glide effortlessly across the mirror-like surface of the lake, though its feet were working rhythmically beneath the water.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English gliden, from Old English glīdan, from Proto-West Germanic glīdan, from Proto-Germanic glīdaną, from Proto-Indo-European *gʰleydʰ-. Cognate with West Frisian glide, glydzje, Low German glieden, Dutch glijden, German gleiten, Norwegian Nynorsk gli, Danish glide, Swedish glida, Finnish liitää.

Usage

The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

© 2026 English Reference