: an open usually horse-drawn vehicle with runners for use on snow or ice

Illustration of sleigh

Illustration of sleigh

sleigh

2 of 2

verb

sleighed; sleighing; sleighs

intransitive verb

: to drive or travel in a sleigh

Examples of sleigh in a Sentence

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
Book a sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness to take in the holiday decorations across the campground and end the day with reservations at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, where seasonal songs only add to the ambiance. — Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2026 Walk alongside giant ornaments, snowflakes, and sleigh light displays dotting the pier, and get creative with free community craft workshops including edible snowmen, pinecone woodland creatures, paper bag puppets, and more. — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
From the sparks flying between exes in A Merry Little Ex-Mas to a festive transformation in My Secret Santa, these holiday movies are guaranteed to sleigh your seasonal watchlist. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025 The queens of Christmas are sleighing their way back to Southern California. — Holly Alvarado, Daily News, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleigh

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Dutch slee, alteration of slede; akin to Middle Dutch sledde sled

First Known Use

Noun

1703, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1729, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleigh was in 1703

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleigh. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

: an open usually horse-drawn vehicle with runners for use on snow or ice

sleigh

2 of 2 verb
: to drive or travel in a sleigh

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