What does dogsled mean?
A dogsled is a sled drawn by a team of dogs, a specialized form of sled traditionally used for travel across snowy or frozen terrain. Its best-known modern use is in dogsled racing, a winter sport associated especially with Alaska, Canada, and the Arctic regions of Europe. A driver, often called a musher, steers and brakes the sled while the dogs run ahead in coordinated teams. The word may also function as a verb: to dogsled is to make a journey by dogsled, although dogsledding is generally more common when naming the activity. In ordinary use, the term evokes endurance, speed, cold weather, close cooperation between a handler and animals, and the historical expansion of transport into northern regions where roads and wheeled vehicles were impractical. It can therefore sound practical when describing historic travel, adventurous when describing recreation, and competitive when referring to racing.
A sled pulled by a team of dogs, used for transport over snow or in racing.
"The dogsled carried the supplies across the frozen river."
The word is neutral in tone but commonly evokes winter travel, Arctic exploration, and dogsled racing.
To travel, ride, or race on a dogsled.
"We dogsledded down the mountain before the storm arrived."
This verbal use is less common than the noun; dogsledding is often preferred for the activity generally.
The standard plural adds -s.
"Several dogsleds were parked beside the starting line."
A dogsled makes teamwork the engine of speed: the dogs run in coordinated teams while the driver steers, brakes, and keeps the sled on course.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does dogsled come from?
Dogsled is an English compound formed from the established words dog and sled. Dog descends from Old English docga, while sled entered Middle English from Old Norse. The compound became especially associated with dogsled racing and northern travel, although its precise first attestation is not certain.
Related word forms
How dogsled is actually used
The noun is standard in British and American English, with strong associations with Alaska, Canada, northern Europe, and winter recreation. The verb is comparatively uncommon; dogsledding is more usual when referring to the activity.
Easily confused with dogsled
A sled is the general vehicle, whereas a dogsled is specifically a sled pulled by dogs.