What does snowshoe mean?
A snowshoe is a wide, lightweight frame worn over a boot so that a person can walk across deep snow without sinking into it. Its broad surface distributes the wearer’s weight over a larger area of snow, making it especially useful in regions where deep snow makes ordinary winter travel difficult. The word can also function as a verb: to snowshoe is to move across snow while wearing these frames. Historically, Indigenous peoples of North America developed highly effective snowshoe designs suited to different terrains, and the equipment was later adopted by settlers, hunters, travellers, and recreationists. Today, snowshoes remain practical for winter hiking and are also used in organized sport. The word is distinct from skiing: snowshoes support the entire foot and are generally walked with, whereas skis are narrow runners used for gliding over snow.
A broad, lightweight frame attached to the foot and used to walk over deep snow without sinking.
"She fastened her snowshoes and stepped out onto the snow-covered trail."
The plural is snowshoes. The term is especially associated with winter travel and recreation in North America and other snowy regions.
To travel or move over snow while wearing snowshoes.
"They snowshoed through the valley to reach the remote cabin."
This use is less frequent than the noun and is often informal or recreational in modern English.
Usually used in the phrase a pair of snowshoes when referring to the footwear as a set.
"A pair of snowshoes was hanging beside the door."
Before skis, people crossed snowy terrain using broad frames that acted like oversized, lightweight shoes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snowshoe come from?
The word is an English compound formed from snow and shoe, describing a shoe-like device used for walking on snow. The underlying idea is ancient, and forms of snowshoeing were developed independently by several Indigenous peoples of North America in response to deep winter conditions. In English, the compound became established as the common name for the equipment used in snowy travel, later giving rise to the verb meaning to travel on snowshoes.
Related word forms
How snowshoe is actually used
The noun is common in North American English, particularly in Canada and the northern United States, and is also used in other snowy regions. The verb is less frequent and sounds informal or recreational unless the context refers to a traditional or organized form of travel.
Easily confused with snowshoe
A snowshoe is a broad frame that supports the whole foot, while a ski is a narrow runner used for sliding, usually with one foot on each ski.