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Definition of abseiling

abseiling

/ˈæb.seɪ.lɪŋ/
ab · seil · ing
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abseiling Lexical Profile

abseiling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British The sport or activity of descending a rock face or other near-vertical surface by using a doubled rope coiled around the body or passed through a friction device and fixed at a higher point.

Example

"During the outdoor adventure course, the students practiced abseiling down a sheer limestone cliff."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for abseiling

Word Nuance & Usage

'Abseiling' is the standard term in British and Commonwealth English, whereas 'rappelling' is preferred in North American English.

• Nearby Words

absconder
abseil
abseiler
abseiling
absence
absent
absentee

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'abseil', borrowed in the early 20th century from German 'abseilen', combining 'ab-' (down) and 'Seil' (rope).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abseiling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abseiling
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