toboggan

1 of 2

noun

to·​bog·​gan tə-ˈbä-gən 

1

: a long flat-bottomed light sled made usually of thin boards curved up at one end with usually low handrails at the sides

2

: a downward course or a sharp decline

3

chiefly Southern US and Midland US : stocking cap

Illustration of toboggan

• toboggan 1

toboggan

2 of 2

verb

tobogganed; tobogganing; toboggans

intransitive verb

1

: to coast on or as if on a toboggan

2

: to decline suddenly and sharply

tobogganer noun

tobogganist

tə-ˈbä-gə-nist 

noun

Examples of toboggan in a Sentence

Verb

The kids tobogganed down the hill.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Well-known for hosting the annual World Economic Forum, this popular ski resort town is ideal for experienced skiers as well as those who prefer toboggan rides, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing instead. —Carole Rosenblat, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025

Flexible Flyer Baby & Toddler Boggan $34 at Amazon This little toboggan is for children 3 years old or younger who weigh less than 40 pounds. —Laura Lu, Parents, 7 Jan. 2025

Verb

The park also has tobogganing hills which can reach up to 60 mph. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 25 Dec. 2024

Could tobogganing be the next sport that Zendaya tackles? —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Canadian French tobogan, of Algonquian origin; akin to Micmac tobâgun drag made of skin

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

toboggan

1 of 2 noun

to·​bog·​gan tə-ˈbäg-ən 

: a long light sled made without runners and curved up at the front

toboggan

2 of 2 verb

: to slide on a toboggan