toboggan

On this page

• Definition
• Word origin
• “Toboggan” used a noun or a verb
• Spelling

Definition

A toboggan is a long, flat-bottomed sled that’s curved at the front. Toboggans are usually made of light-weight wooden boards. They’re used to travel over snow and ice.

Word origin

Indigenous Peoples first built toboggans to transport goods during the harsh Canadian winters. Although many Indigenous groups used this type of sled, the word most likely comes from the Maliseet word ’tapakon or the Mi’kmaq word topagan.

In the early 19th century, French Canadians borrowed the word and spelled it tabaganne. The word passed from French into English around 1820, and the spelling changed to toboggan.

“Toboggan” used a noun or a verb

The word toboggan can be used as a noun:

• John borrowed my children’s toboggan.

It can also be used as a verb:

• Marissa tobogganed down the hill several times.
• We like to go tobogganing in winter.

Spelling

The word toboggan is spelled with one b and two g’s.

The verb forms tobogganed and tobogganing are spelled with one n.