Skiing: meaning, definitions and examples

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skiing

 

[ˈskiːɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

winter sport

Skiing is a popular winter sport that involves sliding down snow-covered slopes on long, narrow pieces of wood or plastic called skis. It is a recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Synonyms

cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding.

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Word Description / Examples
skiing

General term for the sport involving moving over snow on skis. Can refer to any type of skiing, including cross-country and downhill.

  • They went skiing during their vacation in the Alps.
  • Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports.
snowboarding

Refers to the sport of descending down a snow-covered slope on a snowboard, which is a flat board with bindings for the feet.

  • Snowboarding has become very popular among young people.
  • He prefers snowboarding because he thinks it’s cooler than skiing.
cross-country skiing

Refers to the sport of skiing across flat or mildly sloped terrain, often used as a form of exercise or a way to traverse long distances.

  • Cross-country skiing is excellent for building endurance.
  • They prefer cross-country skiing because it is more peaceful and less crowded.
downhill skiing

Refers to skiing down steep slopes at ski resorts or mountains, often involving high speeds and activities like slalom or freestyle.

  • She enjoys the thrill of downhill skiing.
  • Downhill skiing requires good control and quick reflexes.

Examples of usage

  • I love skiing in the mountains.
  • She learned how to ski when she was just a child.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Skiing can also refer to the action of moving over snow on skis. It involves using poles to help with balance and propulsion.

Synonyms

cruising, gliding, sliding.

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Word Description / Examples
skiing

Refers to the sport or activity of moving on skis, typically on snow-covered slopes or trails.

  • I went skiing in the Alps last winter
  • She enjoys skiing every weekend during the winter
gliding

Usually refers to moving smoothly and effortlessly, often through the air or on a surface like ice. It can also refer to the sport of flying in a glider.

  • The glider pilot enjoyed gliding through the clear skies
  • She felt like she was gliding across the dance floor
sliding

Indicates moving smoothly along a surface, potentially with less control or on a slippery surface. Often used in physical contexts like playing on slides or slipping.

  • The children loved sliding down the icy hill
  • He slipped on the wet floor and went sliding
cruising

Refers to traveling smoothly and leisurely, often on a boat, car, or aircraft. It can also refer to moving at a steady speed without addressing the effort much.

  • We spent the summer cruising around the Mediterranean
  • He set the car on cruise control for the long highway drive

Examples of usage

  • He was skiing down the hill at high speed.
  • They were skiing through the forest enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Skiing dates back over 5,000 years, with the earliest evidence found in Norway, where people used long wooden boards for travel over snow.
  • The word 'ski' comes from the Old Norse word 'skíð', which means 'split piece of wood.'
  • Early skis were made from wood and leather, designed for hunting and moving across snowy landscapes.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, skiing is not just a sport but a way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors during winter.
  • Festivals celebrating skiing often include competitions and gatherings for families and friends, creating strong community bonds.

Science

  • Skiing uses principles of physics, including gravity and friction, allowing skiers to glide down slopes by balancing their weight.
  • The design of skis has evolved, with modern materials like fiberglass and metal enhancing performance and safety.

Pop Culture

  • Skiing became popular in the 20th century, inspired by winter sports films and events like the Winter Olympics, where skiing draws worldwide attention.
  • Many famous actors and celebrities enjoy skiing, contributing to its glamorous image in movies and magazines.

Safety and Gear

  • Proper gear, including helmets and bindings, is essential for safe skiing, reducing the risk of injury on the slopes.
  • Snow conditions can greatly affect the safety and enjoyment of skiing, making weather knowledge important for skiers.

Translations

Translations of the word "skiing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esqui

🇮🇳 स्कीइंग (Skeeing)

🇩🇪 Skifahren

🇮🇩 ski

🇺🇦 лижний спорт

🇵🇱 narciarstwo

🇯🇵 スキー (Sukī)

🇫🇷 ski

🇪🇸 esquí

🇹🇷 kayak

🇰🇷 스키 (seuki)

🇸🇦 التزلج (at-tazalluj)

🇨🇿 lyžování

🇸🇰 lyžovanie

🇨🇳 滑雪 (Huáxuě)

🇸🇮 smučanje

🇮🇸 skíði

🇰🇿 шаңғы тебу

🇬🇪 თხილამურები (tkhilamurebi)

🇦🇿 xizək sürmə

🇲🇽 esquí

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,428, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.