sleigh
Americannoun
-
a light vehicle on runners, usually open and generally horse-drawn, used especially for transporting persons over snow or ice.
-
a sled.
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of sleigh
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.
Vocabulary lists containing sleigh
Joy To The Word: Christmas Terms
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Let's Go Caroling, List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
See Examples For:
But a few years ago it posted a digitally-altered image on its Facebook page depicting Santa’s sleigh taking off from its deck.
From Salon ● Dec. 24, 2025
Low trading volumes can also bring volatility, as relatively little selling may spark outsize moves, so investors should be ready for bumps on any sleigh ride to a year-end rally.
From Barron's ● Dec. 24, 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
Mr. Chris came over on his sleigh with one of the extra horses hitched behind.
From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen
Mr Cook asked motorists to "exercise extreme caution and vigilance" on the roads, "especially around Santa sleighs as there are often families and children crossing the roads nearby".
From BBC ● Dec. 22, 2023
In addition to more than 60 vehicles on display — including buggies, sleighs and wagons — there is a one-room schoolhouse and a wheelwright/blacksmith shop that give visitors a glimpse into the past.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 16, 2023
Much survived, however, including a wagon, textiles, sculptures of animal heads and three sleighs, which are unique.
From Reuters ● Nov. 16, 2022
In her article, Hamill researched the origins of "Jingle Bells," its composer, James L. Pierpont, and other songs about sleighs that appeared during the mid-1800s.
From Fox News ● Jan. 2, 2022
When sleighs appeared on front lawns and fake snow on Douglas firs, Baba stayed home and I drove the VW bus alone up and down the peninsula.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
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.
