ski

Rarely skee

[skee]

noun

plural

skis ,

plural

ski .

1. one of a pair of long, slender runners made of wood, plastic, or metal used in gliding over snow.

2. water ski.

verb (used without object)

skied, skiing 

1. to travel on skis, as for sport.

verb (used with object)

skied, skiing 

1. to use skis on; travel on skis over.

   to ski the slopes of Switzerland.

ski

/ skiː /

noun

1. 1. one of a pair of wood, metal, or plastic runners that are used for gliding over snow. Skis are commonly attached to shoes for sport, but may also be used as landing gear for aircraft, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ski boot

2. a water-ski

verb

1. (intr) to travel on skis

Other Word Forms

• skiable adjective
• skiing noun
• skier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ski¹

First recorded in 1745–55; from Norwegian; Old Norse skīth; cognate with Old English scīd “strip of wood,” German Scheit “thin board”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ski¹

C19: from Norwegian, from Old Norse skith snowshoes; related to Old English scīd piece of split wood

Example Sentences

“He says he’s ready for the presidency? He’s ahead of his skis and he isn’t that popular.”

From Salon

They said she enjoyed horse riding, skiing and swimming, and was home-schooled in the capital Pyongyang.

From BBC

Inspired by her late father, motivated to overcome a debilitating shoulder injury, and fuelled by jelly beans, the 41-year-old ski instructor had made it to the top of K2.

From BBC

The overconfident committee hypothetically placed skiing sports in areas with no anticipated snowfall.

From Los Angeles Times

Two Norwegian ski jumpers and three team officials have been charged following allegations of tampering with ski suits, the sport's governing body has announced.

From BBC