skiing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (common in both informal and formal contexts related to sport, leisure, and travel)
Quick answer
What does “skiing” mean?
The activity, sport, or technique of gliding over snow on long, narrow runners called skis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The activity, sport, or technique of gliding over snow on long, narrow runners called skis.
Can refer to the activity of using skis on surfaces other than snow (e.g., water skiing, grass skiing) or used metaphorically to describe smooth, swift motion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Minor differences in associated vocabulary: UK 'ski lift' vs. US sometimes 'chairlift'; UK 'skiing holiday' vs. US 'skiing vacation' or 'ski trip'.
Connotations
Largely identical. Connotes winter sports, alpine holidays, and leisure. In both, can imply a degree of affluence or active lifestyle.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, with similar seasonal frequency peaks.
Grammar
How to Use “skiing” in a Sentence
go skiingbe skiingdo some skiingtake up skiingteach skiingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skiing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They ski in Scotland every winter.
- She learned to ski on a school trip to France.
American English
- We ski out west every year.
- He skied the most challenging black diamonds.
adjective
British English
- He bought a new skiing jacket.
- They booked a skiing holiday in Austria.
American English
- She invested in top-quality skiing gear.
- They're looking for a skiing vacation package.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the tourism and leisure industry (e.g., 'The skiing sector saw record profits this season.').
Academic
In sports science, physiology, or tourism studies (e.g., 'The paper analyses the biomechanics of competitive skiing.').
Everyday
Common in conversation about holidays, weather, and hobbies (e.g., 'We're going skiing in the Alps next month.').
Technical
In sports coaching, equipment design, or meteorology for slope conditions (e.g., 'The new parabolic skis revolutionized recreational skiing.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skiing”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skiing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skiing”
- Misspelling: 'sking', 'skiiing', 'sky-ing'.
- Incorrect article use: 'a skiing' (uncountable).
- Using continuous form redundantly: 'I am going for skiing' instead of 'I am going skiing'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a gerund (verbal noun) but originates from the verb 'to ski'. In a sentence like 'I love skiing', it functions as a noun. The present participle of the verb is also 'skiing' (e.g., 'He is skiing').
The base verb is 'ski'. When adding '-ing', the standard rule is to keep the 'i' from the base word, resulting in a double 'i' to maintain the correct pronunciation (/ˈskiː.ɪŋ/). It's a common spelling point.
Skiing uses two long, narrow runners (skis) attached to boots, typically on snow. Skating uses blades (ice skating) or wheels (roller skating) and involves a different gliding motion, often on one foot at a time.
Yes, as the present participle of the verb 'to ski'. For example: 'Look at that! He is skiing down the mountain incredibly fast.'
The activity, sport, or technique of gliding over snow on long, narrow runners called skis.
Skiing is usually neutral (common in both informal and formal contexts related to sport, leisure, and travel) in register.
Skiing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskiː.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskiː.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be skiing on thin ice (variant of 'skating on thin ice')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Skiing has a double 'I' because you use two I's (eyes) to navigate the slopes.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SKI RUN (e.g., 'He's skiing through his responsibilities' implying avoiding obstacles smoothly or recklessly).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'skiing' used attributively?