toboggan

A toboggan

Meanings

Noun

  • A long sled without runners, with the front end curled upwards, which may be pulled across snow by a cord or used to coast down hills.
  • A similar sled of wood, pulled by dogs, possibly with steel runners, made to transport cargo.
  • Something which, once it starts going (figuratively) downhill, is unstoppable until it reaches the bottom.
  • A knit cap, designed to provide warmth in cold weather.

Verb

Related

Similar words

Origin

  • The noun is attested since 1829, the verb since 1846. Both derive from French tabaganne, which derives from an Algonquian word, probably Mi'kmaq tepaqan or Abenaki dabĂ´gan, influenced by similar words in other Eastern Canadian Algonquian languages. The sense of "hat" is recorded since 1929 and is short for toboggan cap (1928), a cap suitable for wearing while tobogganing.

Modern English dictionary

Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.

Word of the Day

Get a curated memorable word every day.

Challenge yourself

Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.