rink

noun

ˈriŋk How to pronounce rink (audio)
plural rinks
1
a
: a smooth extent of ice marked off for curling or ice hockey
b
: a surface of ice for ice-skating
also : a building containing such a rink
c
: an enclosure for roller-skating
2
: a lane for lawn bowling
3
: a team of players in curling or lawn bowling

Examples of rink in a Sentence

The hockey team is practicing at the rink.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Right now, the biggest projects include new bathrooms and restoring the rink's original maple skating floor. — Christopher Derose, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 In the winters, John would build an outdoor rink out front of their two houses. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 The Fan Village in Rockefeller Center will have programming on game day, with the rink transformed into a temporary pitch. — Ali Farooqui, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 The parking lot and the stands inside the rink are routinely packed on Wednesday nights as fans come to watch two or three men’s games and a women’s game. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rink

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) rinc area in which a contest takes place, from Anglo-French renc row, lists — more at rank entry 1

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rink was in 1787

Phrases Containing rink

Rhymes for rink

See All Rhymes for rink

Browse Nearby Words

ringy
rink
rinkafadda
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rink. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rink

noun
ˈriŋk How to pronounce rink (audio)
1
: a sheet of ice laid out for curling, ice hockey, or ice-skating
2
: an enclosed place for roller-skating

More from Merriam-Webster on rink

Nglish: Translation of rink for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rink

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