ski
Americannoun
plural
skis,plural
ski-
one of a pair of long, slender runners made of wood, plastic, or metal used in gliding over snow.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
-
-
one of a pair of wood, metal, or plastic runners that are used for gliding over snow. Skis are commonly attached to shoes for sport, but may also be used as landing gear for aircraft, etc
-
( as modifier )
a ski boot
-
-
a water-ski
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ski
First recorded in 1745–55; from Norwegian; Old Norse skīth; cognate with Old English scīd “strip of wood,” German Scheit “thin board”
Explanation
Skis are sporting equipment—long, thin pieces of wood, plastic, or metal that you strap to your feet so you can glide across the snow or down a snowy hill. To slide down a mountain on skis is to ski. You can also cross country ski, or move across flat, snowy ground and gentle hills on skis. The special boots that skiers wear are called ski boots, and you also need a ski helmet and ski goggles when you go skiing. In its earliest English use, the word was spelled skee, and it's rooted in the Old Norse skið, "long snowshoe."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cooper would certainly have found it funny that while delivering this heartfelt tribute, Lisa is wearing a truly garish bright pink ski suit.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
A light dusting of snow fell on the area on Monday, signalling the upcoming start of the ski season.
From Barron's • May 12, 2026
My ski pass stays in my desk drawer, and each weekday as I sign off from work, I tap my phone to the pass to disable all the most tempting stuff from my device.
From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026
Mammoth Mountain, among the state’s most popular ski resorts, reported 20 inches of snow at its main lodge over the weekend into Monday.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
It’s so hot there that swimming pools boil, so one emir built himself an indoor ski resort.
From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
