snowshoe

1 of 2

noun

snow·​shoe ˈsnō-ˌshü How to pronounce snowshoe (audio)
: 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

Illustration of snowshoe

Illustration of snowshoe

snowshoe

2 of 2

verb

snowshoed; snowshoeing

intransitive verb

: to travel on snowshoes
snowshoer noun

Examples of snowshoe in a Sentence

Verb We snowshoed through the woods.
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
Consider spending an afternoon at the hot spring–fed tubs at David Walley’s Resort, following the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail, going for a scenic drive around the lake, taking a snowshoe or cross-country skiing class, or soaking up mountain views from the comfort of a gondola. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025 The cozy lodge rooms, rustic yet luxurious cabins, and glamping tents all nod to refined Canadiana—think wood headboards, plaid throw blankets, and woodsy touches like vintage snowshoes hanging on the wall. Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
Since the road is closed in the winter, the only way up is to snowshoe. Outside, 3 Nov. 2025 Once the skis come off, fill your days with excursions to castle ruins, thermal baths, and snowshoeing trails. Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snowshoe

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1666, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snowshoe was in 1666

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snowshoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snowshoe. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

snowshoe

1 of 2 noun
snow·​shoe -ˌshü How to pronounce snowshoe (audio)
: a light frame (as of wood or aluminum) strung with a net that is attached to the foot to prevent sinking in soft snow

snowshoe

2 of 2 verb
snowshoed; snowshoeing
: to travel on snowshoes

More from Merriam-Webster on snowshoe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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