Synonyms

sleigh

American

[sley] / sleɪ /

noun

a light vehicle on runners, usually open and generally horse-drawn, used especially for transporting persons over snow or ice.
a sled.

verb (used without object)

to travel or ride in a sleigh.

sleigh British

/ sleɪ /

noun

another name for sledge 1

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

(intr) to travel by sleigh

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

sleigher noun

Etymology

Origin of sleigh

1690–1700, < Dutch slee, variant of slede sled; slide

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But a few years ago it posted a digitally-altered image on its Facebook page depicting Santa’s sleigh taking off from its deck.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

But it is worth believing in a Santa rally—even if it means bracing for a bumpy sleigh ride to get there.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

Trying to squeeze in cookie baking, holiday parties, Christmas movies and picturesque sleigh rides?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

If he doesn’t change his policy soon, don’t be surprised if Santa’s sleigh is a bit lighter in the coming years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

Jack and the white witch took off in the sleigh, and in the blink of an eye they were in the woods behind the sledding hill.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023