snowshoe

[ snoh-shoo ]

noun

1. a contrivance that may be attached to the foot to enable the wearer to walk on deep snow without sinking, especially a light, racket-shaped frame across which is stretched a network of rawhide.
2. Indian yellow ( def 1 ).

verb (used without object)

, snow·shoed, snow·shoe·ing.

1. to walk or travel on snowshoes.

snowshoe

/ ˈsnəʊˌʃuː /

noun

1. a device to facilitate walking on snow, esp a racket-shaped frame with a network of thongs stretched across it

verb

1. intr to walk or go using snowshoes

Derived Forms

• ˈsnowˌshoer, noun

Other Words From

• snowshoer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snowshoe¹

An Americanism dating back to 1655–65; snow + shoe

Example Sentences

Trudging in snowshoes alongside Stevens is Darryl Lucien, an attorney for the 40 Acre group who has acted as a liaison between the nonprofit and officials in local and state government.

From Los Angeles Times

Ojibwe hunters wore snowshoes to chase down elk that became exhausted by sinking into deep drifts.

From Science Magazine

Abel made himself snowshoes and went to his book with a homemade shovel in one arm, his spear in the other.

From Literature

Mecus made a trench with her snowshoes, walking 100 yards ahead at a time and back again to tamp down the path.

From Seattle Times

Newsom wore snowshoes as he joined state water managers for their final snow survey of the season.

From Los Angeles Times