ski

American  

[skee] / ski /

Rarely skee

noun

plural

skis,

plural

ski

1. one of a pair of long, slender runners made of wood, plastic, or metal used in gliding over snow.

2. water ski.

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verb (used without object)

skied, skiing

1. to travel on skis, as for sport.

verb (used with object)

skied, skiing

1. to use skis on; travel on skis over.

   to ski the slopes of Switzerland.

ski British  

/ skiː /

noun

1. 1. 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

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ski boot

2. a water-ski

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verb

1. (intr) to travel on skis

Other Word Forms

• skiable adjective
• skier noun
• skiing noun

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”

Example Sentences

Beneath the powder snow at internationally popular Japanese ski resort Niseko, anxiety is mounting among residents over soaring prices and a massive influx of overseas workers.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Some engineers like to ski on the weekends but their agents continue performing tasks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Nidwalden canton police said the woman was alone in the Titlis Xpress ski gondola when it detached from the cable.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Richins was also found guilty of fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after her husband's death at their home outside the ski resort town of Park City.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 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