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Luge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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luge

[luːʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sporting event

Luge is a type of winter sliding sport in which an individual or a team makes timed runs while riding a small one- or two-person sled down the track, which is often curved and winding. It is one of the events included in the Winter Olympics.

Synonyms

sledding, sliding.

Examples of usage

  • He competed in the luge event at the Olympics.
  • The luge track is one of the fastest in the world.
  • She trained all year for the luge championship.
  • Luge athletes must have excellent reflexes and control.
Context #2 | Verb

to slide down

To luge means to participate in the sport of luge, sliding down a specially designed track on a sled. It involves navigating turns and maintaining speed.

Synonyms

sled, slide.

Examples of usage

  • They were lugeing down the icy track.
  • Kids luge on the small hills after school.
  • He wants to learn how to luge properly.
  • Lugeing can be dangerous without proper training.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Winter Sports History

  • Luge became an Olympic sport for men in 1964 and for women in 1972, highlighting its evolution in winter sports.
  • The first luge tracks were made of natural materials like ice and snow before being engineered into their current smooth, fast forms.
  • It originated in the 19th century in Switzerland, where locals raced down snowy hills for fun.

Safety

  • While thrilling, luge is one of the fastest sports in the Winter Olympics, with sleds reaching speeds over 80 miles per hour!
  • Athletes wear special helmets and suits designed to minimize air resistance and improve safety during high-speed runs.
  • In recent years, safety measures such as improved sled design and better track engineering have been implemented.

Technique

  • To succeed in luge, competitors must master body positioning to optimize speed and control on the curves.
  • Athletes steer the luge primarily with their body weight rather than traditional steering mechanisms.
  • Start times in luge are crucial; races can be won or lost in the first few seconds based on the athlete's launch.

Pop Culture

  • Luge has appeared in various films and documentaries showcasing the thrill and technique of winter sports.
  • It was featured as a unique event in the 2010 Winter Olympics video game, where players could experience the rush of the sport.
  • Several video games simulate luge racing, allowing players to experience the excitement of high-speed runs virtually.

Origin of 'luge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'luge' comes from the French word for 'sled', which is derived from the Latin 'lūga'.
  • It first appeared in the early 20th century, referring specifically to this fast, fun sport.
  • In Italian, the word is 'slittino', which captures the essence of sliding down.

The word 'luge' comes from the French word 'luge', which means 'small sled'. This term originated in the early 20th century as the sport began to take shape in the winter sports landscape. The modern luge evolved from past sledding sports that were popular in the Alps and other mountainous regions. The sport was first demonstrated in the 1883, and it was a competitive event at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Luge tracks are designed with precise engineering to provide both safety and an exhilarating experience for the athletes, who often reach speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,476, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.