figure skating

noun

1. ice skating in which the skater traces intricate patterns on the ice.
2. a type of ice skating developed from this, emphasizing jumps, spins, and other movements that combine athletic skills and dance techniques.
3. a competitive sport in which the skater is required to execute school figures and to perform one or more original programs of difficult jumps, spins, etc., to a musical setting.

figure skating

noun

1. ice skating in which the skater traces outlines of selected patterns
2. the whole art of skating, as distinct from skating at speed

Derived Forms

• figure skater, noun

Other Words From

• figure skater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of figure skating¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

They are also designed to accommodate more of a “side-to-side” skating motion as opposed to the more “straight and narrow” figure skating style, which most people find more natural.

From Popular-Science

In that sense, breaking isn’t that different from other judged events at the Olympics, such as figure skating and gymnastics.

From Washington Post

“Figure skating felt very selfish to me, so public service has just felt like this total calling for me,” Kwan says.

From The Daily Beast

Wylie and I speak at the Figure Skating in Harlem gala on April 7, an annual event that raises money for the nonprofit.

From The Daily Beast

Or perhaps she and Pell could try the figure skating pairs event in Pyeongchang in 2018?

From The Daily Beast

When the entire American figure skating team did it, there were hugs and kisses all around.

From The Daily Beast

But a world of people who care so very passionately about figure skating for exactly 10 days every four years beg to differ.

From The Daily Beast

The short-distance races, following the figure skating, were all within the oval of the principal arena.

From Project Gutenberg

Once a Finnish lady went over to Paris and received the sum of £120 a month for giving entertainments in figure-skating.

From Project Gutenberg

Figure skating, formerly regarded as a professional achievement, has also become popular, and many clubs have been formed.

From Project Gutenberg

Sahwah realized that she was figure-skating on thin ice when she mentioned that subject and forebore to make any further remarks.

From Project Gutenberg

I believe at the time she joined the Figure Skating Club, someone learned that.

From Project Gutenberg