noun

paragliding

PA-ruh-gly-ding

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Paragliding (noun) means the sport of gliding through the air using a paraglider. Example: “They tried paragliding for the first time on holiday in the Alps.”

noun

The sport of gliding through the air using a paraglider.

"They tried paragliding for the first time on holiday in the Alps."

"Paragliding requires a good understanding of wind and weather conditions."

"She took up paragliding after watching pilots launch from the cliff top."

How to use paragliding

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFlying through the air by hanging beneath a large fabric wing that catches the wind.

When to use it

It is an everyday word used in both casual conversation and specialist sporting contexts.

Memory tip

The -ing form covers both the sport itself and the act of doing it, as in 'I love paragliding' or 'we went paragliding yesterday.'

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hang gliding

Common pairings

go paragliding paragliding lesson tandem paragliding paragliding instructor

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “paragliding” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They tried _____ for the first time on holiday in the Alps.

Etymology

The word comes directly from paraglider, the equipment used in the sport, with the activity named after the device.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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parasailing

Rhymes for paragliding

hiding riding aiding siding biding abiding gliding sliding guiding raiding avoiding dividing

See all rhymes for paragliding →

Frequently asked questions

What is paragliding?

Paragliding is a sport in which a person glides through the air using a paraglider, a lightweight fabric wing.

Is paragliding the same as hang gliding?

No, they use different equipment; a paraglider is a soft fabric wing with no rigid frame, unlike a hang glider.

Do you need training to go paragliding?

Most people learn with an instructor or take a tandem flight before flying solo, since it involves reading wind and weather conditions.

What is the meaning of paragliding?

"paragliding" (noun) means the sport of gliding through the air using a paraglider.