Definition

Noun: A specifically prepared, flat surface of ice, contained within a defined area, used for the sports of ice skating or ice hockey. It is an artificial or maintained frozen sheet designed for recreational or competitive use.

Usage

The term "ice rink" refers to the facility or venue itself. It is commonly preceded by articles ("an ice rink," "the ice rink") or possessive pronouns ("our local ice rink"). It is a standard term in sports and recreation.

Examples

• The city built a new public ice rink in the park.
• We went to the ice rink for her first skating lesson.
• The hockey team practices at the ice rink every morning before school.

Advanced Usage

• "to flood the rink": This phrase describes the maintenance process of spraying a thin layer of water over the ice surface to repair cuts and create a smooth, new layer.
  • After the public session, the staff will flood the rink for the evening hockey game.

Variants and Related Words

• Rink (noun): A more general term for an area or sheet for skating, which can be specified as an "ice rink" or a "roller rink."
• Skating rink (noun): A near-synonym that can refer to either an ice rink or a rink for roller skating, depending on context.
• Arena (noun): A large building for sports and entertainment, which may contain an ice rink (e.g., a hockey arena).

Synonyms

• Skating rink
• Ice sheet (though this can also refer to a natural formation like a frozen pond)

Related Phrases

• "Hit the ice": An informal phrase meaning to go onto the ice rink to skate or play.
  • The players are ready to hit the ice for the championship game.

Noun

1. a rink with a floor of ice for ice hockey or ice skating
   • the crowd applauded when she skated out onto the ice