zipline

American  

[zip-lahyn] / ˈzɪpˌlaɪn /

Or zip line

noun

1. a suspended, inclined cable equipped with a pulley and down which a harnessed rider glides for recreation.

   The most popular rides at the fair are the two ziplines.

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verb (used without object)

1. to ride for recreation along a suspended, inclined cable equipped with a pulley and a harness.

   We ziplined for more than two hours through the rainforest.

Etymology

Origin of zipline

First recorded in 1970–75; zip ¹ (in the sense “to move with speed”) + line ¹ ( def. ) (in the sense “length of cord or wire”)

Example Sentences

A judge in Brazil has blocked a project to build a zipline connecting the famous Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro to a nearby hill, Morro da Urca.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

It boasts the world’s tallest building, deepest diving pool and longest urban zipline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The military, police, a local zipline entrepreneur and a have-a-go hero are all involved in the pulse-racing rescue.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

They swing from makeshift trapezes and zipline across Christmas trees.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2024

Juliana Freire, president of another residents association, told the AP the company brought up its intention to develop the zipline during a 2022 meeting about another subject, but never made any formal presentation.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2023