orienteering

American  

[awr-ee-en-teer-ing, ohr-] / ˌɔr i ɛnˈtɪər ɪŋ, ˌoʊr- /

noun

1. a competitive sport, originating in Sweden, that tests the skills of map reading and cross-country running, in which competitors race through an unknown area to find various checkpoints by using only a compass and topographical map, the winner being the finisher with the lowest elapsed time.

---

orienteering British  

/ ˌɔːrɪənˈtɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. a sport in which contestants race on foot over a course consisting of checkpoints found with the aid of a map and a compass

---

Etymology

Origin of orienteering

Alteration of Swedish orientering (conformed to -eer ), equivalent to orienter ( a ) orient (v.) + -ing -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The 29-year-old was found unconscious by organisers during an orienteering event last Friday in Chengdu.

From BBC

World Games organisers said they will "continue to support the family of Debertolis and the orienteering community in every possible way."

From BBC

Tilly Gerra, who was born with under-developed eyes, is studying multimedia journalism at the University of Northampton and requires support, including orienteering assistance, a braille printer and note-takers, to help her navigate the campus.

From BBC

Due to the lack of orienteering assistance, Ms Gerra has been relying on her mother for mobility support.

From BBC

From evacuation to orienteering, via resuscitation, they’re useful skills.

From BBC