* Hover refers to the act of remaining suspended in the air, often without touching the ground. This word has been in the English language since the 14th century.
* Craft refers to a boat, ship, or aircraft. This word also has a long history in English, dating back to the Old English word "cræft."
The term "hovercraft" was first coined in the 1950s, specifically in 1955, when Christopher Cockerell, the British inventor who is credited with developing the first practical hovercraft, was looking for a suitable name for his invention.
Cockerell initially called his invention a "ground-effect machine," but this term was considered too technical and unwieldy. He eventually settled on "hovercraft" because it accurately described the vehicle's unique ability to hover above the ground or water.
The word quickly gained popularity, becoming the standard term for this type of vehicle, and its simplicity and descriptive nature have ensured its enduring use in the English language.