snowshoe

American  

[snoh-shoo] / ˈsnoʊˌʃu /

noun

1. a contrivance that may be attached to the foot to enable the wearer to walk on deep snow without sinking, especially a light, racket-shaped frame across which is stretched a network of rawhide.

2. Indian yellow.

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verb (used without object)

snowshoed, snowshoeing

1. to walk or travel on snowshoes.

snowshoe British  

/ ˈsnəʊˌʃuː /

noun

1. a device to facilitate walking on snow, esp a racket-shaped frame with a network of thongs stretched across it

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verb

1. (intr) to walk or go using snowshoes

Other Word Forms

• snowshoer noun

Etymology

Origin of snowshoe

An Americanism dating back to 1655–65; snow + shoe

Example Sentences

Guests at the lodge can organize snowshoe and cross-country ski excursions through the front desk, which will tailor your trip to your experience level—even serious backcountry skiers will find an itinerary to their liking.

From The Wall Street Journal

It strode easily over the snow, probably on account of the snowshoes it was wearing.

From Literature

Musk oxen and snowshoe hares inhabit the base perimeter.

From The Wall Street Journal

Trudging in snowshoes alongside Stevens is Darryl Lucien, an attorney for the 40 Acre group who has acted as a liaison between the nonprofit and officials in local and state government.

From Los Angeles Times

Ojibwe hunters wore snowshoes to chase down elk that became exhausted by sinking into deep drifts.

From Science Magazine