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1

sled

noun \ ˈsled \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of sled

1 : a vehicle usually on runners for transportation especially on snow or ice; especially : a small steerable one used especially by children for coasting down snow-covered hills

2 : rocket sled

See sled defined for English-language learners

See sled defined for kids

Recent Examples of sled from the Web

Scott Dixon, meanwhile, is happy IndyCar, Firestone and ISM Raceway are trying to expand what has been a one-lane circuit to two lanes by using a sled to drag tires along the high line of the track.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: IndyCar drivers expect different, 'fun' race at Phoenix," 5 Apr. 2018
Alabama defensive line hits the sled -- Several former players were hanging around practice and the football facility.

— michael casagrande, AL.com, "What we saw with injured players at Alabama practice, former stars watching," 5 Apr. 2018
The final duet, as Romola carts away the broken body of her husband on a sled, offers a warmth and compassion missing earlier in the evening.

— allan ulrich, San Francisco Chronicle, "As S.F. Ballet readies for festival, Canadian company gives its all in ‘Nijinsky’," 4 Apr. 2018
She was thrown from her sled, which kept cruising on down the hill.

— guest columnist/cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "A moment of possible grace at the bottom of a mole hill: Michael Garriga (Opinion)," 25 Mar. 2018
Without local escorts, the crew made its way up Malaspina Glacier using sleds and identified the boundary point on an unnamed peak.

— ned rozell, Anchorage Daily News, "The thin line between Canada and Alaska," 17 Mar. 2018
Go solo on the Lake Placid Skeleton Experience, hurtling along slick ice on a tiny sled, hitting up to 30 mph.

— kate silver, chicagotribune.com, "Curling in Chicago? Bobsled for amateurs? Get your Olympics fix at these spots around the country.," 28 Feb. 2018
In a bizarre twist, Red Stripe (yes, the beer company) got involved and offered to buy the team a new sled.

— the si staff, SI.com, "The Best, Worst and Weirdest Moments From Every Sport at the 2018 Olympic Games," 24 Feb. 2018
More Red Wings: Skeleton, in which a single competitor hurtles head-first down an ice chute on a small sled at speeds approaching 90 miles an hour, holds particular interest.

— helene st. james, Detroit Free Press, "Red Wings ponder Olympic sports to try, pick teammates for events," 15 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sled.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sled

Middle English sledde, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old English slīdan to slide

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

2

sled

verb

Definition of sled

sledded; sledding

transitive verb

: sledge

intransitive verb

: to ride on a sled or sleigh

—

sledder

noun

See sled defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of sled from the Web

There was this great hill for sledding in the winter.

— steve bennett, San Antonio Express-News, "2 Beacon Hills homes came from 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair," 29 Mar. 2018
While schools were closed and public transportation paralyzed, residents of the Eternal City were given the rare opportunity to ski, sled and build snowmen.

— laignee barron, Time, "See Beautiful Drone Footage of the Rare Snowfall in Rome," 28 Feb. 2018
There will be two snow play areas separated from the snow hill to allow frolickers more space to play and throw snowballs without the risk of hitting those trying to sled.

— emily sorensen, Pomerado News, "Winter Festival returns Friday and Saturday," 11 Jan. 2018
Enquirer Carrie Blackmore Smith takes you on a sledding tour in the Cincinnati area.

— cheryl vari, Cincinnati.com, "Winter storm watch: Heavy snow this weekend," 22 Mar. 2018
That sum doesn’t include airfare but, this year, included a morning of dog sledding on the departure day.

— steve siler, Car and Driver, "Sliding with the Bulls: We Survive Lamborghini’s Winter Accademia," 17 Mar. 2018
Mitchell's job at the township involved overseeing an 80-acre park on Ann Arbor Trail that includes sheltered gathering places, walking paths, a fishing pond, children’s play area, four baseball diamonds and sledding hills.

— tresa baldas, Detroit Free Press, "Feds: Ex-Plymouth Twp. parks director stole commercial lawnmower," 14 Mar. 2018
Dress warm and have the little ones try out dog-sledding equipment themselves, participate in races throughout the zoo and learn fun facts about the Iditarod.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Coming up: Parlor in the Round, burlesque fest and TaikoProject," 9 Mar. 2018
He and his 11-year-old brother Maddox went sledding, made an igloo and played board games with their parents.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "Parents of Kentucky school shooting victim thankful for final moments with son," 25 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sled.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sled

1706

SLED Defined for English Language Learners

sled

noun

Definition of sled for English Language Learners

: a small vehicle that has a flat bottom or long, narrow strips of metal or wood on the bottom and that is used for moving over snow or ice

sled

verb

Definition of sled for English Language Learners

: to ride on a sled especially down a hill

SLED Defined for Kids

1

sled

noun \ ˈsled \

Definition of sled for Students

1 : a vehicle on runners for carrying loads especially over snow

2 : a small vehicle used mostly by children for sliding on snow and ice

2

sled

verb

Definition of sled for Students

sledded; sledding

: to ride or carry on a sled

Learn More about sled

See words that rhyme with sled Spanish Central: Translation of sled Nglish: Translation of sled for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sled for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sled

Seen and Heard

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

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