sleigh

American  

[sley] / sleɪ /

noun

1. a light vehicle on runners, usually open and generally horse-drawn, used especially for transporting persons over snow or ice.

2. a sled.

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verb (used without object)

1. to travel or ride in a sleigh.

sleigh British  

/ sleɪ /

noun

1. another name for sledge 1

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verb

1. (intr) to travel by sleigh

Other Word Forms

• sleigher
  noun

Etymology

Origin of sleigh

1690–1700, < Dutch slee, variant of slede sled; cf. slide

Explanation

A sleigh is a large sled that's pulled by horses, or in the case of Santa Claus, by reindeer. A sleigh is usually big enough for at least two passengers to ride in. Most sleighs travel across snow or ice, sliding on smooth runners, and are pulled by one or more horses. In Britain, this is more often called a sledge, or sometimes a sled. In North America, a sled is much smaller than a sleigh, and it's used for fun rather than transportation. Sleigh comes from the Dutch slee.

Example Sentences

And at the end of it all, Colbert flew off in Santa’s sleigh toting his prized Captain America shield, with unicorn Abraham Lincoln and “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, the man with all the answers.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

But it is worth believing in a Santa rally—even if it means bracing for a bumpy sleigh ride to get there.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

Trying to squeeze in cookie baking, holiday parties, Christmas movies and picturesque sleigh rides?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

If he doesn’t change his policy soon, don’t be surprised if Santa’s sleigh is a bit lighter in the coming years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

Gas hissed through the hole, and the sleigh began to spin.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor