Meaning & use

ziplining

noun, verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈzɪp.laɪ.nɪŋ/
US/ˈzɪp.laɪ.nɪŋ/

“ziplining” is a form of “zipline”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    The activity or sport of riding along a cable while hanging from a pulley, usually through trees or over a valley.

    Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: you say 'go ziplining', not 'go a ziplining'.

    Patterns

    • go ziplining
    • try ziplining
    • ziplining course

    We spent the afternoon ziplining through the forest canopy.

    Ziplining is popular with tourists who want an adrenaline rush.

    The resort offers ziplining and rock climbing for guests.

  2. verbintransitive

    Present participle of 'zipline': to travel along a cable while hanging from a pulley.

    Grammar: This is the -ing form of the verb; it needs a helping verb, as in 'They are ziplining'.

    Patterns

    • be ziplining
    • go ziplining

    The kids were ziplining across the lake all morning.

    She has been ziplining in Costa Rica twice.

Word forms

base formzipline
third person singularziplines
past tenseziplined
past participleziplined
-ing formziplining

Common combinations

go ziplining
We decided to go ziplining on our last day in the mountains.
ziplining tour
The ziplining tour lasts about two hours and includes all the safety gear.
ziplining course
They built a new ziplining course above the river.
try ziplining
If you have never tried ziplining, start with a short, low line.
ziplining adventure
The ziplining adventure takes you over a deep canyon.

Synonyms and how they differ

zip wire riding
A British term for the same activity; 'ziplining' is more common in American English.
canopy tour
Often refers to a guided ziplining trip through a forest, especially in ecotourism contexts.

Word family

zipline noun
The cable and pulley system used for the activity.
zipline verb
To ride along such a cable.
zipliner noun
A person who goes ziplining.

Commonly confused: ziplining or zip lining?

ziplining vs zip lining

This is just a two-word spelling of the same activity; both are acceptable, but 'ziplining' is more standard.

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