sledding

American  

[sled-ing] / ˈslɛd ɪŋ /

noun

1. the state of the ground permitting use of a sled.

   The mountain roads offer good sledding.

2. the going, or kind of travel, for sleds, as determined by ground and weather conditions.

3. a going, progress, or advance in any field.

   The job won't be easy sledding.

4. the act of conveying or riding on a sled.

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sledding Idioms  

1. see easy sledding; tough sledding.

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Etymology

Origin of sledding

An Americanism dating back to 1675–85; sled + -ing ¹

Explanation

Want to go sledding? Just jump on a sled and zip down a snowy hill! Whee! Sledding down a hill is fun, but dragging the sled back up is way less fun. In some parts of the world, people call this sport "sledging" or "tobogganing." While sledding is generally seen as more of a pastime than an actual sport, it's also the basis of Olympic sports like luge and bobsledding. Add some dogs and you have dog sledding. Sledding comes from the verb sled, which meant "transport or travel by sled" before it meant "ride on a sled."

Example Sentences

While winning that case would be uphill sledding, the report may have ultimately been a useful development for him.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

Through their court filings, both recount head injuries sustained while sledding and lingering symptoms.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

There’s the remarkable Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries Armbruster, mothers in their 40s, in the medal mix once again in monobob sledding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

In Texas, a teenage girl died and another was in critical condition due to a sledding accident, the Frisco Police Department announced.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

In Hazel’s life, it’s not going sledding because you left your boots at school.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu