Gliding (or soaring) is a recreational activity and competitive sport where pilots fly un-powered aeroplanes known as gliders or sailplanes. Properly, the term gliding refers to descending flight of a heavier-than-air craft, whereas soaring is the correct term to use when the craft gains altitude or speed from rising air.

The words gliding and soaring are also used to describe the ways birds capable of flight remain aloft without flapping their wings; the mechanics of this process are explained in the article on bird flight, while this article focuses on aircraft.