skateboarding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “skateboarding” mean?
The sport or activity of riding on and performing tricks with a skateboard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sport or activity of riding on and performing tricks with a skateboard.
The broader culture, industry, and community associated with the sport, including its fashion, music, and lifestyle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. UK more likely to use 'skate park' vs. US also using 'skatepark' as one word.
Connotations
Similar counter-cultural, youth-oriented, and athletic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both, given the global nature of the sport.
Grammar
How to Use “skateboarding” in a Sentence
[Subject] + go + skateboarding[Subject] + be + into + skateboarding[Subject] + practise + skateboardingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skateboarding” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The kids are skateboarding in the car park.
- He hurt his wrist while skateboarding.
American English
- They were skateboarding in the parking lot.
- She started skateboarding when she was ten.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as a pure adverb. Gerund used: 'They travelled the world, skateboarding everywhere.'
American English
- Not commonly used as a pure adverb. Gerund used: 'He spent the afternoon skateboarding downtown.'
adjective
British English
- He bought new skateboarding trainers.
- The skateboarding community rallied behind the new park.
American English
- She works at a skateboarding shop.
- The skateboarding scene in LA is huge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to the skateboarding industry, apparel sales, or marketing.
Academic
In studies of youth culture, subcultures, or sports sociology.
Everyday
Talking about hobbies, weekend activities, or what kids are doing.
Technical
In sports science discussing biomechanics, or in manufacturing regarding deck construction and truck geometry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skateboarding”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skateboarding”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skateboarding”
- Incorrect: 'I play skateboarding.' Correct: 'I go skateboarding.' or 'I do skateboarding.'
- Misspelling as 'skateboardding' or 'skatebording'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally uncountable when referring to the activity. You don't say 'a skateboarding'. It can be used as a modifier (a skateboarding video).
'Skating' is a broader term that can include ice skating, roller skating, or skateboarding. Context is needed. 'Skateboarding' is specific to using a skateboard.
The most common verbs are 'go' (go skateboarding), 'do' (do skateboarding), or simply use it as a gerund (I enjoy skateboarding). Avoid 'play skateboarding'.
Yes. 'To skateboard' means to ride a skateboard. 'He skateboards to school.' The '-ing' form is 'skateboarding'.
The sport or activity of riding on and performing tricks with a skateboard.
Skateboarding is usually neutral to informal in register.
Skateboarding: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskeɪtˌbɔː.dɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskeɪtˌbɔːr.dɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Skate or die! (subculture motto)”
- “to skate through something (idiom from skating, meaning to do something easily)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'SKATE' (like ice skate) + 'BOARD' (like a plank of wood) + 'ING' (for the action). You ride a board to skate.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKATEBOARDING IS A JOURNEY ('He's on a path to becoming pro'), SKATEBOARDING IS FREEDOM.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural collocation?