sitzmark

noun

sitz·​mark ˈsits-ˌmärk How to pronounce sitzmark (audio)
ˈzits-
: a depression left in the snow by a skier falling backward

Did you know?

On the slopes, do you zip down the mountain leaving other skiers in your wake? Or are you more likely to leave a trail of sitzmarks behind you? If the latter is true, you may want to give your backside a break and plop down into a comfy chair in the ski lodge instead of plunking back onto the snow. Either way, you'll find yourself sitting on your derriere, a fact you can use to remember "sitzmark." It is most likely a creation made in English from the German verb sitzen, meaning "to sit," plus the English noun mark, as in "impression."

Word History

Etymology

probably from German sitzen to sit + English mark entry 1 (impression)

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sitzmark was in 1930

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near sitzmark

Cite this Entry

“Sitzmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sitzmark. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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