snowshoe

play

noun snow·shoe \ ˈsnō-ˌshü \

Definition of snowshoe

:a usually lightweight platform for the foot that is designed to enable a person to walk on soft snow without sinking and that typically consists of an oblong frame crossed with leather thongs or synthetic material

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See snowshoe defined for kids

Recent Examples of snowshoe from the Web

Many homes are built on posts set on wooden pads that act like snowshoes, preventing the structure from sinking into sand or gravel fill.

— lisa demer, Alaska Dispatch News, "‘The permafrost is dying’: Bethel sees increased shifting of roads and buildings," 7 July 2017
Climbers are warned to travel while roped to companions and to use snowshoes or skis to distribute their weight, which can prevent breaking through a thin layer of snow over a crack.

— dan joling, The Seattle Times, "Rescuers chip fallen climber from ice on Alaska mountain," 6 June 2017
On your way up in the tram, check out the snowshoe trails at Shirley Canyon.

— karen d'souza, The Mercury News, "Squaw Valley: A dizzying spring trek to High Camp," 21 May 2017
Searchers noted that snowshoe tracks led away from the snowmobile.

— bill lindelof, sacbee.com, "Body of missing Tuolumne County snowmobiler is found by searchers," 27 Apr. 2017
They were followed by snowshoe hares, which also browse on shrubs.

— craig welch, National Geographic, "Half of All Species Are on the Move—And We're Feeling It," 27 Apr. 2017
Officers seized 17 fox, two fisher, five snowshoe hares and one deer illegally trapped on the trap lines, according to the complaint.

— sam cook, Twin Cities, "Wolf snared, tipping MN DNR to 600 illegal traps, charges say," 14 Mar. 2017
Equipment: Winter visitors need either backcountry cross-country skis or snowshoes.

— matt johanson, The Mercury News, "Sierra’s hut-to-hut treks for cross-country skiers," 5 Mar. 2017
Additional notes: Patterson, the park spokeswoman, said the area requires traction devices but doesn’t normally require floatation devices (i.e. snowshoes) unless a hiker goes higher than the lake.

— danika worthington, The Denver Post, "10 winter hikes near Denver, from sunny and dry to guaranteed snow," 23 Feb. 2017

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

Illustration of snowshoe

First Known Use of snowshoe

1666

snowshoe

verb

Definition of snowshoe

snowshoed; snowshoeing

intransitive verb

:to travel on snowshoes

—

snowshoer

play \ˈsnō-ˌshü-ər\ noun

See snowshoe defined for English-language learners

Examples of snowshoe in a Sentence

We snowshoed through the woods.

Recent Examples of snowshoe from the Web

The event will feature cross-country ski lessons, fat-tire bike demonstrations, snowshoeing demonstrations, a bird-watching hike and a food truck.

— bob shaw, Twin Cities, "WinterFest in Lake Elmo delayed because of warm weather," 19 Jan. 2017
Snowshoe the Ice Age Trail Chetek, Wisconsin Don't be intimidated: Snowshoeing on Wisconsin's nearly flat Ice Age National Scenic Trail is totally doable.

— Fox News, "11 coolest winter places in America," 23 Feb. 2012

First Known Use of snowshoe

1880

SNOWSHOE Defined for English Language Learners

snowshoe

play

noun

Definition of snowshoe for English Language Learners

: a light, wide frame that is attached to your shoe to make it easier to walk on soft snow without sinking

snowshoe

verb

Definition of snowshoe for English Language Learners

: to walk with snowshoes

SNOWSHOE Defined for Kids

snowshoe

play

noun snow·shoe \ ˈsnō-ˌshü \

Definition of snowshoe for Students

:a light wide frame (as of wood or aluminum) that is worn under a shoe to prevent sinking into soft snow

snowshoe

verb

Definition of snowshoe for Students

snowshoed; snowshoeing

:to walk with snowshoes

Learn More about snowshoe

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

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snowshoe

Definition of snowshoe

snowshoer

Examples of snowshoe in a Sentence

Recent Examples of snowshoe from the Web

First Known Use of snowshoe

SNOWSHOE Defined for English Language Learners

snowshoe

Definition of snowshoe for English Language Learners

snowshoe

Definition of snowshoe for English Language Learners

SNOWSHOE Defined for Kids

snowshoe

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snowshoe

Definition of snowshoe for Students

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