What does parachuting mean?
Parachuting is the activity of descending through the air while attached to a parachute, usually from an aircraft. The word can refer both to the sport as a whole and to an individual jump. It is associated with training, controlled descent, precision landings, and the distinctive skill of guiding a canopy through the air. Parachuting is distinct from skydiving, although the activities often overlap: a skydiver may initially fall freely before opening a parachute, while a parachutist generally uses one specifically for descent and landing. The term is used in both British and American English, with “parachute jumping” serving as a more formal alternative. Parachuting can also function attributively, as in “parachuting club” or “parachuting equipment.”
nounThe sport or activity of descending through the air from an aircraft while attached to a parachute. It can also refer to a jump made with a parachute.
- The activity or sport of jumping from an aircraft with a parachute.
- A single descent made using a parachute.
"She took up parachuting after watching a demonstration at the local airfield."
"The team spent the morning parachuting over the valley."
"His first parachuting jump was delayed by poor weather."
Generally uncountable; it does not normally take a regular plural.
"The evening was filled with parachuting, skydiving, and空中 demonstrations."
Parachuting turns an ordinary descent into a carefully choreographed dance between gravity and air.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of parachuting
The word “parachuting” was formed in English by adding the suffix “-ing” to “parachute.” “Parachute” entered English in the late 18th century from French, ultimately combining Greek “para-” with French “chute,” meaning a fall. The related English noun “parachutist” was formed from the same base and reflects the development of parachuting as an organized activity.
Related word forms
How parachuting is actually used
Parachuting is normally an uncountable noun. In British English, “parachuting” can also be used as an adjective in phrases such as “parachuting club” or “parachuting equipment.”
Easily confused with parachuting
Parachuting is the activity of descending with a parachute, whereas a parachute is the device itself.