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
The contact surface is wide like a snowshoe because the regolith is fluffy and volatile, with some steep inclines, so this will be needed to maintain traction. James Morris, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 Get a step-by-step look at Mann's snowshoe hike here. Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Northernmost property in this group has also embraced winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for guests during the golf offseason. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 No permit or pass is needed to snowshoe in state forests. Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2024 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

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Cite this Entry

“Snowshoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snowshoe. Accessed 2 Jun. 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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