snowmobile

American  

[snoh-muh-beel] / ˈsnoʊ məˌbil /

noun

1. Also called skimobile, snowcat.  a motor vehicle with a revolving tread in the rear and steerable skis in the front, for traveling over snow.

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verb (used without object)

snowmobiled, snowmobiling

1. to operate or ride in a snowmobile.

snowmobile British  

/ ˈsnəʊməˌbiːl /

noun

1. 1. a small open motor vehicle for travelling on snow, steered by two skis at the front and driven by a caterpillar track underneath

   2. Also called: bombardier.  a larger closed motor vehicle with two skis at the front and a track at each side

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• snowmobiler
  noun

Etymology

Origin of snowmobile

First recorded in 1920–25; snow + -mobile

Example Sentences

Wada said it had cancelled all its snowmobile and snowshoe tours until further notice and it would conduct a review of its operations and safety procedures.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

"A snowmobile would quickly break down under these conditions," the 55-year-old Dane said.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

In past professional lives, he has been a snowmobile guide, hot dog vendor, dog walker, wilderness trip leader, and bike courier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Over the years it has been where athletes such as skateboarding and BMX legends Tony Hawk and Dave Mirra have debuted new tricks, and where, in 2012, a competitor performed the first snowmobile front flip.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2024

I can’t believe you drove the snowmobile out onto a lake,” George said.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz