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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of orienteering

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

orienteering

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

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2025

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

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2025

For example, Fletcher argues that “smartphones can make people worse at performing everyday tasks. Basic orienteering skills and transport knowledge have been outsourced to apps.”

From Slate ● Jan. 1, 2023

One fundamental element to every orienteering competition: No one is allowed to know where they’re going ahead of time.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 6, 2022

“Shhh! These people work hard to arrange the orienteering courses.”

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby