What does skating mean?
Skating means moving on skates, usually by pushing with one foot and gliding on the other. In the most familiar sense, it refers to ice skating, but the word can also describe roller skating or skateboarding when the context makes the surface or equipment clear. As a noun, skating can name the activity itself, as in indoor skating or the popularity of evening skating, or refer more broadly to the sport and its culture. The word has a recreational and sporting connotation, while still applying neutrally to training, competition, transportation, and casual recreation. Expressions such as ice skating, roller skating, and figure skating specify the particular form, whereas go skating is a common general phrase. Although the activity is now associated especially with ice rinks and winter landscapes, its vocabulary reflects an older northern European history of using skates for travel.
To move on skates by pushing and gliding, especially on ice or roller skates; in some contexts, to move on a skateboard.
"She skated gracefully across the rink."
The meaning is normally understood from context: skating at a rink generally means ice skating, while skating on a board is understood as skateboarding.
The activity or sport of moving on skates, particularly ice skates or roller skates; it can also refer more broadly to moving on a skateboard.
"Skating on the frozen pond was a favorite winter pastime."
The noun is normally used uncountably. The plural skatings is uncommon and may refer to separate skating events or sessions.
"The club hosts skatings for beginners throughout the winter."
The word skating preserves an old northern European trail: its root passed through Dutch and Old Norse long before modern ice rinks became everyday landmarks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skating come from?
The noun skate entered English from Dutch, where the related word was schaats. That Dutch word derives from Old Norse skáta, an old term for a skate or skate-like shoe. The verb skating developed from the noun, first referring to moving on skates and later extending to movement on a skateboard.
Related word forms
How skating is actually used
In British and American English, skating usually means ice skating unless another context, such as roller skating or skateboarding, is specified. The word is neutral and commonly describes both a pastime and a competitive sport.