Skate: meaning, definitions and examples

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skate

 

[ skeɪt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

on ice

A boot with a metal blade attached to it, used for skating on ice. The blade glides smoothly over the ice, allowing the skater to perform various moves and tricks. Ice skates come in different sizes and styles, depending on the type of skating.

Synonyms

figure skates, hockey skates, ice skates.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skate

Context might be needed to differentiate as it could refer to any form of skating, including roller or inline skating.

  • During summer, we often skate at the local park
ice skates

General term for any skates used specifically on ice, encompassing both figure skates and hockey skates.

  • Make sure your ice skates are sharpened before heading to the rink
figure skates

Used specifically for ice skating where the focus is on performing jumps, spins, and dances. It typically has a toe pick on the blade.

  • She bought a new pair of figure skates for her ice dancing lessons
hockey skates

Designed for ice hockey, built for speed and agility, usually featuring a more robust construction for protection.

  • He wears hockey skates during every game to ensure better control and quick movements

Examples of usage

  • She laced up her ice skates and hit the rink.
  • He practiced his figure skating routine on his sharp skates.
Context #2 | Verb

on wheels

To move on a skateboard or roller skates. Skating involves propelling oneself forward by pushing off the ground with one foot, then gliding on wheels. Skateboarding and roller skating are popular recreational activities and sports.

Synonyms

cruise, glide, roll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skate

Used to describe moving smoothly on skates, often associated with sports like figure skating or roller skating.

  • She loves to skate on the frozen pond during winter
  • The kids went skating at the roller rink last night
roll

Used to describe moving on wheels or by turning over, often implying a continuous, smooth motion.

  • The car began to roll down the hill
  • He watched the ball roll across the lawn
glide

Used to describe smooth and effortless movement, often through air or on a surface with minimal friction; implies elegance and ease.

  • The ice dancer seemed to glide effortlessly across the rink
  • The bird glided gracefully through the sky
cruise

Used to describe moving at a steady, comfortable speed, often with no specific destination; commonly used for driving or sailing.

  • We decided to cruise down the coast to enjoy the scenic views
  • They were just cruising around town in their new car

Examples of usage

  • He loves to skate at the skate park with his friends.
  • She learned how to skate on rollerblades last summer.

Translations

Translations of the word "skate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 andar de skate

🇮🇳 स्केटबोर्ड

🇩🇪 Skaten

🇮🇩 papan luncur

🇺🇦 скейт

🇵🇱 deskorolka

🇯🇵 スケート

🇫🇷 faire du skate

🇪🇸 andar en patineta

🇹🇷 kaykay yapmak

🇰🇷 스케이트

🇸🇦 تزلج

🇨🇿 jezdit na skateboardu

🇸🇰 jazdiť na skateboarde

🇨🇳 滑板

🇸🇮 skejt

🇮🇸 skauta

🇰🇿 скейт

🇬🇪 სკეიტი

🇦🇿 skeyt

🇲🇽 andar en patineta

Etymology

The word 'skate' originated from the Old English word 'sceat,' meaning a piece of wood. It evolved to refer to a type of shoe with a metal blade attached for ice skating. The verb form 'skate' was first used in the 17th century to describe moving on ice. The modern recreational activities of skateboarding and roller skating have further popularized the term.

See also: skater, skating.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,122, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.