'aquaplane' originates from Latin and English coinage elements: specifically from Latin 'aqua' meaning 'water' and from the root behind 'plane' (via Old French 'planer' from Latin 'planare') meaning 'to make level' or 'to glide'.

'aquaplane' was coined in English in the early 20th century (originally referring to a board or device for riding on water) and the verb/phenomenon sense ('to aquaplane' / 'aquaplaning' meaning to skim or lose traction on water) developed later, often used interchangeably with 'hydroplane'.

Initially, it referred to a physical device or board used to ride on water; over time it came to be used for the related action or phenomenon of skimming or losing tire traction on a wet surface ('hydroplaning').