slalom

1 of 2

noun

sla·​lom ˈslä-ləm How to pronounce slalom (audio)
Synonyms of slalomnext
often attributive
1
: skiing in a zigzag or wavy course between upright obstacles (such as flags)
2
: a timed race (as on skis or in an automobile or kayak) over a winding or zigzag course past a series of flags or markers
broadly : movement over a zigzag route

slalom

2 of 2

verb

slalomed; slaloming; slaloms

intransitive verb

: to move over a zigzag course in or as if in a slalom

Synonyms of slalom

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Verb

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Examples of slalom in a Sentence

Verb slalomed through the crowd with the ease of an Olympic skier
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There are neat little flicks, slalom runs, full-body feints, through balls. — New York Times, 10 June 2026 The shifting lanes that turn the highway into a slalom course. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
That made Wednesday’s slalom her final chance to reach the podium. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 Previously, this event would see one skier take on runs in both downhill and slalom. — Isabel Yip, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slalom

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Norwegian slalåm, literally, sloping track

First Known Use

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slalom was in 1921

Phrases Containing slalom

Rhymes for slalom

See All Rhymes for slalom

Browse Nearby Words

slaky
slalom
slam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slalom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slalom. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

slalom

noun
sla·​lom
ˈsläl-əm
1
: skiing in a zigzag or wavy course between upright poles
2
: a timed skiing race over such a course

More from Merriam-Webster on slalom

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slalom

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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