Portaging: meaning, definitions and examples

🛶
Add to dictionary

portaging

 

[ ˈpɔːrtɪdʒɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

boating activity

Portaging refers to the act of carrying a boat or canoe overland between two bodies of water. This practice is vital in areas where waterways are interrupted by obstacles such as rapids, waterfalls, or land. It often involves transporting not only the boat but also the accompanying gear and supplies. Portaging is a skill that requires physical strength, strategic planning, and an understanding of the terrain. It is commonly associated with canoeing and kayaking expeditions in remote areas.

Synonyms

carry, convey, transport

Examples of usage

  • We spent the afternoon portaging the canoe over the rocky trail.
  • Portaging is essential when navigating through wilderness areas.
  • After portaging for hours, we reached the serene lake.
  • They mastered the technique of portaging on their camping trip.

Translations

Translations of the word "portaging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transporte de canoas

🇮🇳 नावों का परिवहन

🇩🇪 Transportieren von Kanus

🇮🇩 pengangkutan kano

🇺🇦 перевезення каное

🇵🇱 transport kanu

🇯🇵 カヌーの運搬

🇫🇷 transport de canoës

🇪🇸 transporte de canoas

🇹🇷 kanoların taşınması

🇰🇷 카누 운반

🇸🇦 نقل القوارب

🇨🇿 přeprava kanoí

🇸🇰 preprava kánoe

🇨🇳 独木舟运输

🇸🇮 prevoz kanuja

🇮🇸 flutningur á kanó

🇰🇿 каноэ тасымалдау

🇬🇪 კანოების ტრანსპორტირება

🇦🇿 kano daşınması

🇲🇽 transporte de canoas

Word origin

The word 'portaging' is derived from the French term 'porter', which means 'to carry'. The concept has been utilized for centuries by indigenous peoples and later by explorers and fur traders navigating the waterways of North America. The French word 'portage' entered the English language in the early 19th century, emphasizing the practice of carrying canoes and supplies over land. Historically, portaging was essential for travel and trade in regions dominated by rivers and lakes, where certain paths required transitioning from one waterway to another. As outdoor recreational activities gained popularity, especially canoeing and kayaking, portaging became a well-known term among enthusiasts, reflective of a unique aspect of wilderness exploration.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,384, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.