What does rollerblade mean?
A rollerblade is an inline skate distinguished by its single row of wheels, in contrast with the two side-by-side pairs of wheels found on traditional roller skates. Worn on each foot, rollerblades allow a skater to move by pushing one foot sideways and then transferring weight to the other, producing a motion comparable to skiing. They may be used for recreation, transport, exercise, and informal racing, and protective equipment such as helmets and wrist guards is commonly recommended. The word can denote an individual skate or, collectively, the pair worn by a skater. Rollerblading is also used for the activity itself. Although the term ultimately comes from a proprietary name, it has become a general word for inline skates in everyday English.
An inline skate with a single row of wheels attached to a boot; collectively, a pair of such skates.
"He tightened the buckles on his rollerblade before leaving the house."
The usual plural is rollerblades. In informal use, the term may also refer to the activity of inline skating.
To travel, move, or skate on rollerblades.
"They rollerbladed along the river after work."
The inflected forms rollerbladed and rollerblading are standard, though the activity is more often called inline skating.
The regular plural adds -s. The singular form rollerblade is normally used for one skate.
"She bought a new pair of rollerblades for the summer."
Rollerblades combine the gliding motion of skating with a movement pattern closer to skiing: push forward with one foot, then transfer your weight to the other.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rollerblade come from?
The word developed as a compound of roller and blade, terms referring respectively to a revolving wheel and the narrow metal part that bears or cuts. It appeared in the late nineteenth century and was subsequently adopted for inline skates. Related forms include roller, from roll, and blade, both of which belong to the word's direct component vocabulary.
Related word forms
How rollerblade is actually used
The singular is rollerblade and the usual plural is rollerblades. The term is also used informally for the activity of skating on inline skates, especially in expressions such as going rollerblading.
Easily confused with rollerblade
Rollerblades have wheels arranged in a single line, whereas traditional roller skates generally have two pairs of wheels arranged side by side.