snowshoe
UK: ˈsnəʊʃuː | US: ˈsnoʊʃuː
n. a flat, racket-like device attached to footwear for walking on snow without sinking
vt. to travel or walk using snowshoes
The word "snowshoe" is a transparent compound formed by combining "snow" (Old English snāw, from Proto-Germanic snaiwaz) and "shoe" (Old English scōh, from Proto-Germanic skōhaz). The term directly reflects its function: a "shoe" designed for traversing "snow." Historically, snowshoes were developed by Indigenous peoples in snowy regions, and the English term emerged to describe this practical adaptation. The morphemes retain their original meanings, making the word highly intuitive.
She strapped on her snowshoes before hiking through the deep powder.
Traditional snowshoes were crafted from wood and animal sinew.
We decided to snowshoe across the frozen lake instead of skiing.
Modern snowshoes use lightweight aluminum frames for better mobility.
Without snowshoes, walking in the Arctic wilderness would be nearly impossible.