cross-country skiing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral; technical within sports contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cross-country skiing” mean?
A form of skiing where skiers travel across natural terrain using their own locomotion, typically on relatively flat or gently rolling ground, as opposed to downhill skiing on slopes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of skiing where skiers travel across natural terrain using their own locomotion, typically on relatively flat or gently rolling ground, as opposed to downhill skiing on slopes.
The sport, recreation, or competitive activity involving skiing across long distances over varied natural terrain using specific lightweight equipment, often in groomed tracks or trails. It is one of the Nordic skiing disciplines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is standard in both varieties. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both, strongly associated with fitness, endurance, and nature. In the UK, may have a slightly stronger association with specialist/niche winter sports due to less prevalent natural conditions compared to parts of the US and Canada.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, particularly in northern states and Canada, where the activity is more common due to climate and geography.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-country skiing” in a Sentence
to go cross-country skiingto do cross-country skiingto participate in cross-country skiingcross-country skiing is + ADJ (e.g., popular, challenging)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-country skiing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We often go cross-country skiing in the Cairngorms.
- He has never been cross-country skiing before.
American English
- They love to go cross-country skiing in Vermont.
- We went cross-country skiing last weekend.
adjective
British English
- She bought new cross-country skiing boots.
- The cross-country skiing event was postponed due to lack of snow.
American English
- He's on the cross-country skiing team at college.
- We followed the cross-country skiing trail for miles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of tourism, outdoor equipment retail, or event management: 'The resort's cross-country skiing packages saw a 20% increase in sales.'
Academic
Used in sports science, physiology, or geography papers: 'The study analysed the physiological demands of competitive cross-country skiing.'
Everyday
Common in conversation about winter activities, holidays, or exercise: 'We're thinking of going cross-country skiing this weekend if the snow is good.'
Technical
Precise use in sports coaching, equipment specifications, and race contexts: 'The skate technique in cross-country skiing requires a specific boot and binding system.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-country skiing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-country skiing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-country skiing”
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'crosscountry skiing' (should be hyphenated).
- Confusing with 'cross-country running'.
- Using as a verb without 'go' or 'do' (e.g., 'I will cross-country ski' is less idiomatic than 'I will go cross-country skiing').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cross-country skiing is the most common form of Nordic skiing. 'Nordic skiing' is the broader category that also includes ski jumping and the skiing part of biathlon.
Yes, cross-country skis are longer, lighter, and narrower than downhill skis. The boots are also different, attaching only at the toe to allow the heel to lift.
Yes, it is considered an excellent full-body cardiovascular workout that engages both the upper and lower body, improving endurance and strength.
It is one of the two main techniques in cross-country skiing (the other being 'classic'). Skate skiing involves a pushing-off motion similar to ice skating and is typically faster, used on wider, groomed trails.
A form of skiing where skiers travel across natural terrain using their own locomotion, typically on relatively flat or gently rolling ground, as opposed to downhill skiing on slopes.
Cross-country skiing is usually neutral; technical within sports contexts. in register.
Cross-country skiing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ˈkʌn.tri ˈskiː.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs ˈkʌn.tri ˈskiː.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “['To break trail' (in cross-country skiing, to be the first to ski on fresh snow, creating a track for others)]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine skiing ACROSS the COUNTRYside, not down a steep mountain. Cross + Country + Skiing.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY (as it involves traversing distance), ENDURANCE TEST.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key distinguishing feature of cross-country skiing compared to Alpine skiing?