sleigh

1 of 2

noun

ˈslā How to pronounce sleigh (audio)
: an open usually horse-drawn vehicle with runners for use on snow or ice

Illustration of sleigh

Illustration of sleigh

sleigh

2 of 2

verb

sleighed; sleighing; sleighs

intransitive verb

: to drive or travel in a sleigh

Examples of sleigh in a Sentence

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
Follow along as Santa swaps his sleigh for a Carnival cruise ship! — Lauren Ashley Bishop, Variety, 4 Jan. 2026 Pieces like a vintage hearse, dartboard, or wooden sleigh now line the Roller Auction floor as bids are open through Tuesday. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Best of luck to Taylor and Daniel, and may your Christmas cards forever sleigh. — Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025 Tallahassee is a hilly city so residents looking to sleigh the day away have plenty of options. — John Bacon, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleigh

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Dutch slee, alteration of slede; akin to Middle Dutch sledde sled

First Known Use

Noun

1703, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1729, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleigh was in 1703

Phrases Containing sleigh

Rhymes for sleigh

See All Rhymes for sleigh

Browse Nearby Words

sleided
sleigh
sleigh bed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

sleigh

1 of 2 noun
ˈslā How to pronounce sleigh (audio)
: an open usually horse-drawn vehicle with runners for use on snow or ice

sleigh

2 of 2 verb
: to drive or travel in a sleigh

More from Merriam-Webster on sleigh

Nglish: Translation of sleigh for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sleigh

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