ski

1 of 2

noun

ˈskē How to pronounce ski (audio)
British sometimes
ˈshē How to pronounce ski (audio)
plural skis also ski
1
a
: one of a pair of narrow strips of wood, metal, or plastic curving upward in front that are used especially for gliding over snow
b
: water ski
2
: a piece of material that resembles a ski and is used as a runner on a vehicle

ski

2 of 2

verb

skied ˈskēd How to pronounce ski (audio) ˈshēd How to pronounce ski (audio) ; skiing

intransitive verb

: to glide on skis in travel or as a sport

transitive verb

: to travel or pass over on skis
skiable
ˈskē-ə-bəl How to pronounce ski (audio)
adjective
skier noun

Examples of ski in a Sentence

Verb I have skied that mountain before.
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.
Noun
His follow-up on the apparent real accident shows the damage the crash into the dock did to his jet ski. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Beyond ski-in-ski-out access during the winter months, even though this 8,000-square-foot home has its own private gondola, this residence was built for year-round enjoyment. — Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing at Alyeska Resort, while summer brings endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and even foraging for berries and mushrooms. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026 In 7-on-7 work, Chau Smith-Wade jumped a crossing route and skied for the ball to intercept quarterback Bryce Young. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ski

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Norwegian, from Old Norse skīth stick of wood, ski; akin to Old English scīd board, scēadan to divide — more at shed entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ski was in 1755

Phrases Containing ski

Rhymes for ski

See All Rhymes for ski

Browse Nearby Words

Skhul man
ski
skia-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ski.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ski. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ski

1 of 2 noun
ˈskē How to pronounce ski (audio)
plural skis
: one of a pair of narrow strips of wood, metal, or plastic curving upward in front that are used for gliding over snow or water

ski

2 of 2 verb
skied; skiing
: to glide on skis
skier noun
Etymology

Noun

from Norwegian ski "a ski," from an early Norse word skīth "a stick of wood"

More from Merriam-Webster on ski

Nglish: Translation of ski for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ski

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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