Skydiver: meaning, definitions and examples

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skydiver

 

[ˈskaɪˌdaɪvər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

extreme sports

A person who jumps from an aircraft for fun or sport, wearing a parachute to descend safely to the ground.

Synonyms

freefaller, parachutist, skydiving enthusiast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skydiver

A general term for anyone who jumps from an airplane and uses a parachute to land safely. Often used in sports and recreational contexts.

  • The skydiver jumped from 13,000 feet and executed a perfect landing
  • John has been a professional skydiver for over ten years
parachutist

A more formal term, often used in military contexts, to describe someone who trains to use a parachute. It can also apply to civilians in contexts that require emphasis on their parachuting skills.

  • The parachutist prepared for a high-altitude military jump
  • Civilian parachutists often participate in competitions
skydiving enthusiast

A term describing someone who is very passionate about skydiving, possibly engaging in the sport as a hobby rather than professionally.

  • As a skydiving enthusiast, Maria spends most weekends at the airfield
  • There are many skydiving enthusiasts who travel the world to jump in different locations
freefaller

Specifically refers to someone in the act of freefalling, which is when they're falling through the air before opening their parachute. Often used to emphasize the thrill and skill involved in this part of skydiving.

  • As a freefaller, she enjoys the rush of wind and adrenaline before deploying her parachute
  • Freefallers experience the true essence of skydiving

Examples of usage

  • The skydiver jumped out of the plane at 10,000 feet.
  • She has been a skydiver for over 10 years.
  • Many skydivers enjoy the adrenaline rush of freefalling.
  • I have always wanted to become a skydiver and experience the thrill of flying.
  • Skydivers need to undergo rigorous training to ensure their safety.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'skydiver' is a combination of 'sky,' referring to the space above the Earth, and 'diver,' denoting someone who jumps into water or air.
  • The term began to gain popularity in the 1960s as parachute jumping evolved into a sport.

History

  • The first experimental parachute jumps date back to the late 1700s, but skydiving as a sport began in the early 20th century.
  • During World War II, military personnel used parachutes for airborne operations, which helped popularize skydiving in the following decades.

Science

  • As a skydiver falls, they experience free fall, which means they are falling without any air resistance – this lasts until the parachute is deployed.
  • The average speed of a skydiver in free fall is about 120 miles per hour, which is really fast!

Pop Culture

  • Skydiving has been featured in many movies, showcasing thrilling jumps and stunning aerial views.
  • Extreme sports enthusiasts often share skydiving videos online, inspiring many to take the leap and try it themselves.

Safety

  • Modern skydiving equipment includes automatic activation devices (AADs) that will deploy the parachute if the skydiver is unable to do so.
  • Training programs and tandem jumps with instructors ensure that new skydivers can learn the necessary safety skills before jumping solo.

Translations

Translations of the word "skydiver" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paraquedista

🇮🇳 स्काइडाइवर

🇩🇪 Fallschirmspringer

🇮🇩 penerjun payung

🇺🇦 парашутист

🇵🇱 spadochroniarz

🇯🇵 スカイダイバー

🇫🇷 parachutiste

🇪🇸 paracaidista

🇹🇷 paraşütçü

🇰🇷 스카이다이버

🇸🇦 القافز بالمظلات

🇨🇿 parašutista

🇸🇰 parašutista

🇨🇳 跳伞者

🇸🇮 padalec

🇮🇸 fallhlífarstökkvari

🇰🇿 парашютист

🇬🇪 პარაშუტისტი

🇦🇿 paraşütçü

🇲🇽 paracaidista