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Sleigh Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sleigh

[sleษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

Christmas

A sled used for travel over snow or ice, especially one drawn by horses or dogs.

Synonyms

sled, sledges, sleds, sleighs.

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Word Description / Examples
sleigh

A sleigh is typically a large, ornate vehicle pulled by horses, reindeer, or other animals, especially used in festive settings like Christmas.

  • Santa Claus travels on a sleigh.
  • We decorated the sleigh for the holiday parade.
sled

A sled is a small, simple vehicle used for sliding down hills, often by children in snowy conditions.

  • The kids spent the whole afternoon sledding down the hill.
  • She bought a new sled for her son.
sleds

Sleds is the plural form of sled and is used when referring to multiple sleds.

  • There were many sleds on the hill that day.
  • We need more sleds for the winter event.
sleighs

Sleighs is the plural form of sleigh and is used when referring to multiple sleighs.

  • The town display featured several beautifully decorated sleighs.
  • Horse-drawn sleighs are a popular attraction at the winter festival.

Examples of usage

  • The children were excited to ride in the sleigh pulled by the horses.
  • We could hear the jingle of bells as the sleigh approached.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'sleigh' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'slee', which meant 'to slide'.
  • Sleighs have been used since the 15th century, becoming popular in snowy regions for transportation.
  • In ancient times, people used simple wooden sleds to move heavy goods over snow-covered land.

Cultural Significance

  • Sleighs are often associated with winter festivities, particularly in holiday traditions like Christmas.
  • The imagery of Santa Claus riding in a sleigh has become a global icon, symbolizing the magic of holiday giving.
  • In Scandinavian folklore, the 'sleigh ride' is a popular tradition during winter celebrations, often featuring music and community gatherings.

Technology and Design

  • Modern sleighs are designed for recreational purposes, like racing or sledding, and often have ergonomic features for comfort.
  • Some sleighs are made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum or plastic, making them easier to maneuver on snow.
  • There are different types of sleighs, including both open and enclosed designs, catering to various uses from leisure to practical transportation.

Literature and Art

  • Sleighs feature prominently in classic holiday literature, such as the poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' where Santaโ€™s sleigh is described in detail.
  • Many artists have depicted sleighs in their paintings, capturing the beauty of winter landscapes and festive scenes.
  • In fairy tales, sleighs often symbolize adventure and joy, connecting characters to magical journeys across snowy terrains.

Science and Nature

  • Sleighs rely on snow and ice to move smoothly, as they glide over these surfaces due to reduced friction.
  • Research into winter transportation has shown that sleighs can be more efficient than wheeled vehicles in snowy conditions.
  • The concept of 'cold weather vehicles' often includes sleighs as an example of how humans have adapted to their environments for travel.

Origin of 'sleigh'

The word 'sleigh' originated from the Old High German word 'sleha', which means 'sled'. Sleighs have been used as a mode of transport for centuries, initially pulled by animals and later by mechanical means. The tradition of using sleighs during the winter holidays, especially Christmas, has been popularized in various cultures around the world.

See also: sleighs.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,881, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.