Sled: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used for describing a small, simple vehicle used for sliding over snow or ice, often by children or for recreational purposes.

• The kids grabbed their sled and headed to the hill.
• He used a sled to transport the firewood through the snowy forest.

Typically refers to a larger, often ornate vehicle pulled by animals, such as horses or reindeer. Often associated with traditional or festive contexts, like Christmas.

• They enjoyed a magical sleigh ride through the snowy forest.
• Santa's sleigh is always depicted as being pulled by reindeer.

A long, flat-bottomed sled without runners, typically used for recreational sliding down snowy hills. Often associated with winter sports.

• They rode the toboggan down the steep hill, screaming with joy.
• The old wooden toboggan was a family heirloom used for decades in winter fun.

Often refers to a larger, more robust vehicle, usually without runners, used for transporting goods over snow and ice. In British English, 'sledge' can also mean a small recreational sled.

• The explorers packed their supplies onto the sledge for the Arctic expedition.
• In the UK, children are excited to try out their new sledge on the snowy hills.