slalom

American  

[slah-luhm, -lohm] / ˈslɑ ləm, -loʊm /

noun

1. Skiing. a downhill race over a winding and zigzag course marked by poles or gates.

2. any winding or zigzag course marked by obstacles or barriers, as one in which automobiles are tested for maneuverability or drivers for reaction time.

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verb (used without object)

1. Skiing. to ski in or as if in a slalom.

2. to move in a winding or zigzag fashion; weave.

3. to follow a course with many twists and turns.

adjective

1. of, for, or designating a zigzag course with obstacles, barriers, or the like.

   an excellent slalom skier.

slalom British  

/ ˈslɑːləm /

noun

1. skiing a race, esp one downhill, over a winding course marked by artificial obstacles

2. a similar type of obstacle race in canoes

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verb

1. (intr) to take part in a slalom

Usage

What does slalom mean? Slalom refers to the type of skiing and snowboarding event that takes place on a winding, downhill course marked by a series of boundary poles or gates, which the racer is required to stay between while attempting to cross the finish line in the shortest possible time. There are several slalom events in the Winter Olympics. In skiing, these include the slalom as well as the giant slalom and the super giant slalom (popularly called Super G), which feature longer courses and more widely spaced gates. In snowboarding, there is an event called the parallel giant slalom. (In slalom events, the word parallel indicates that two racers compete simultaneously on identically spaced courses). Such competitive skiing events are categorized as types of Alpine skiing (in contrast with Nordic skiing, which includes cross-country skiing and ski jumping). Alpine skiing is sometimes more generally called downhill skiing. The term downhill is also used in a more specific way as the name of the Alpine skiing event that takes place on a relatively straight downhill course—without gates. There are also slalom events in the Paralympic Winter Games. In slalom events, the gates or poles are laid out in different variations and combinations based on the course and the competition rules. It is common for racers to hit the gates as they pass them in order to take the most direct (and fastest) route to the next gate. Example: I like the speed of the downhill event, but I prefer the added challenge of slalom.

Etymology

Origin of slalom

1920–25; < Norwegian slalåm, equivalent to sla ( d ) sloping + låm track

Explanation

A slalom is a type of race in which downhill skiers swerve back and forth between gates or poles. Slalom races are an important part of the winter Olympics every four years. The race itself is called a slalom, and when you participate or practice this type of ski course, you slalom. You can use the verb any time someone's racing or moving this way, too, winding back and forth: "Watch that little kid slalom down the hill on her tricycle!" The Norwegian source is slalam, "sloping track."

Example Sentences

Moving the softball and canoe slalom events outside of Southern California is a trade off though.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

The softball tournament will be in Oklahoma City’s Devon Park, which hosts the Women’s College World Series every year, and canoe slalom will take place at Riversport OKC, the official U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

The canoe slalom and kayak cross are scheduled for venues in Oklahoma City.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Shiffrin, who won her third Olympic title with slalom gold last month, is the most successful skier in World Cup history with 110 wins.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

If we had been happier, I would have done them slalom.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson