What does waterslide mean?
A waterslide is a sloping recreational chute in which water carries riders downward. It differs from an ordinary playground slide by adding a controlled flow of water and the sensations of speed and splash. Waterslides are found at swimming pools, water parks, amusement parks, and sometimes in gardens or backyards as inflatable structures. The term is neutral everyday English in both British and American usage, although “water slide” is also widely written as two words. In British English, “flume” is often used for a water-based amusement ride, though it can also denote a channel used for transport or irrigation; “waterslide” is more specific. A waterslide may be a low slide for young children or a steep, enclosed tube designed for a dramatic drop. The word is therefore especially useful when the water-assisted descent, rather than a slide or water channel in general, is the central idea.
nounA sloping chute or slide with a flow of water, used for recreational descent at swimming pools, water parks, and amusement parks.
- A sloping recreational chute in which flowing water carries riders downward.
"They raced down the towering waterslide before racing back up to the top."
"A long line formed beside the waterslide at the water park."
"They used an inflatable waterslide in the garden for the children's party."
The usual plural is waterslides. As an attributive noun, waterslide normally remains singular.
"The park added two new waterslides last year."
One word can describe both a children's backyard plastic slide and a towering amusement-park chute: the key is the water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waterslide
Waterslide is an English compound of the long-established words water and slide. Water descends from Old English wæter, related to Proto-Germanic *watr-, while slide descends from Old English slīdan, related to Proto-Germanic *slīdaną. Dutch water and glijden are cognate equivalents, and the compound name transparently conveys the meaning of a slide with water.
How waterslide is actually used
The term is neutral and widely used in both British and American English. Both the closed compound and the two-word form “water slide” are common.
Easily confused with waterslide
A flume is a broader term for a water channel or ride, whereas a waterslide is specifically a sloping chute designed for riders to descend.