What does waterskiing mean?
Waterskiing is the activity of riding on skis across the surface of a lake, river, or other body of water while a motorboat or similar vehicle pulls the skier by a tow rope. The participant balances on the skis and uses the rope and body movements to control speed and direction, often crossing wakes, performing jumps, or executing other maneuvers. The term is normally neutral and recreational, although organized competition includes disciplines such as slalom, trick, and ski racing. In ordinary use, waterskiing refers to the whole activity rather than to a particular trick or movement. Its spelling varies between waterskiing and water-skiing, and both forms are established. Because it combines a familiar watercraft with a technique associated with snow skiing, waterskiing has a distinctive recreational identity and is also used figuratively for the confident, exhilarating style of movement it evokes.
The sport of riding on skis over water while being pulled by a motorboat or similar vehicle.
"The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and waterskiing."
It is usually treated as an uncountable noun naming the activity, although a countable plural is possible in formal or reporting contexts.
To engage in the sport of riding on skis over water while being towed.
"She was waterskiing on the river when the boat turned sharply."
As a verb, waterskiing normally occurs in present-participle or gerund forms, especially in progressive and nonfinite constructions.
Uncommon; waterskiing is normally treated as an uncountable noun, with the plural used only for separate instances or events.
"The resort organizes waterskiings for visitors throughout the summer."
One tow rope, two skis, and a fast boat can turn a calm lake into an obstacle course no ordinary pavement could offer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waterskiing
The compound emerged in English in the early twentieth century as recreational towing of skiers over water became established. Its first element, water, comes from Old English wæter, while the second belongs to the English family based on ski, a word borrowed from a Scandinavian language. The precise development of the compound and of the underlying sport is associated with the early spread of motorized boating and water recreation.
Related word forms
How waterskiing is actually used
The term is generally neutral and recreational, though it can also refer to competitive disciplines such as slalom, trick, and ski racing. The spellings waterskiing and water-skiing are both established.
Easily confused with waterskiing
A waterski is one of the skis used for the activity, whereas waterskiing names the activity itself.