bob-sled

A team races a bob-sled down an icy track.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of vehicle: "bob-sled" refers to a long, narrow sled used for racing down ice-covered tracks, typically carrying two or four people. It is also a variant spelling of "bobsleigh."
   • A logging sled: In historical or regional usage (especially in Canada), a "bob-sled" can be a sled used for transporting logs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The team trained for months to compete in the bob-sled event at the Winter Olympics. (A racing sled used in the sport of bobsledding.)
  • In the early 20th century, loggers used a bob-sled to haul timber across snowy terrain. (A sled for transporting logs.)

Advanced Usage

• "bob-sled run": the ice-covered track used for bob-sled racing.

  • The bob-sled run at the resort is one of the fastest in the world. (The track designed for bob-sled racing.)

• "bob-sled team": the group of athletes who operate the sled.

  • The four-person bob-sled team worked together to steer the sled down the chute. (The crew of the sled.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bobsleigh (noun): the more common spelling of the word, especially in British English.

  • The bobsleigh competition was thrilling to watch. (The same vehicle, spelled differently.)

• Bobsledding (noun): the sport of racing bob-sleds.

  • Bobsledding requires great speed and precision. (The activity or sport.)

Synonyms

• Sled: a general term for a vehicle on runners used for travel on snow or ice.
• Sleigh: a larger, often horse-drawn sled, though not typically used for racing.

Related Idioms

• There are no widely recognized idioms specifically using "bob-sled." However, the term is sometimes used metaphorically in sports contexts:
  • "To ride the bob-sled": to participate in a fast, thrilling, or risky endeavor.

    • Starting a new business is like riding a bob-sled — exciting but dangerous. (Metaphorical use for a high-stakes activity.)