Skiis or Skis: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Ski (noun): A ski is a long, narrow piece of sports equipment worn on the feet to glide over snow.

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Quick Answer

Skis is the correct spelling. ✅
Skiis is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided in all forms of English.

• ✔️ Correct: Skis
• ❌ Incorrect: Skiis

Whether you’re talking about winter sports, ski equipment, or a pair of snow skis, skis is always the proper plural form of ski.

Quick Comparison Table

Form	Is It Correct?	Meaning	Example
Ski	✅ Yes	One long, narrow piece of equipment used for gliding on snow	She bought a new ski.
Skis	✅ Yes	The plural of ski (more than one ski)	They rented new skis for the trip.
Ski’s	✅ Yes (Possessive)	Something belonging to one ski or a contraction of “ski is”	The ski’s surface was scratched.
Skis’	✅ Yes (Plural Possessive)	Something belonging to multiple skis	The skis’ edges were freshly sharpened.
Skiis	❌ No	Incorrect spelling of the plural of ski	We rented new skis, not skiis.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered whether the plural of ski is skiis or skis? You’re not alone. Since many English words ending in -i have unusual plural forms, it’s easy to think that adding another i might be correct.

The good news is that the answer is simple. Skis is the only accepted spelling. It follows normal English plural rules, even though the word originally came from another language.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Which spelling is correct
• Why skiis is wrong
• The origin of the word
• Easy grammar rules
• Real-life examples
• Common mistakes to avoid

By the end, you’ll never confuse skiis and skis again.

Skiis or Skis: Which Is Correct?

Spelling	Correct?	Meaning
Skis	✅ Yes	The plural of ski
Skiis	❌ No	Incorrect spelling

Examples

✔️ I bought new skis for the winter season.

✔️ Her skis are made from lightweight carbon fiber.

❌ I bought new skiis. (Incorrect)

What Does “Skis” Mean?

Skis are long, narrow pieces of equipment worn on the feet to travel or race over snow.

Examples

• She waxed her skis before the race.
• The shop sells beginner skis.
• His skis were stored in the garage.

Why Is “Skiis” Incorrect?

Many people assume the plural of ski should be skiis because the word already ends in i.

However, English does not double the i when forming the plural.

Instead, it simply adds -s.

ski → skis

This is the spelling recognized by dictionaries, schools, publishers, and style guides.

The Origin of the Word “Ski”

The word ski comes from the Norwegian word ski, meaning a split piece of wood.

When English borrowed the word, it followed normal English grammar rules.

Singular:

• ski

Plural:

• skis

Not:

• skiis

English often adapts borrowed words to fit its own spelling rules.

British English vs American English

Good news!

There is no difference between British and American English.

English Variety	Preferred Spelling
British English	Skis
American English	Skis
Australian English	Skis
Canadian English	Skis

Everyone uses skis.

Why Do People Write “Skiis”?

Common reasons include:

• They assume another i is needed.
• They confuse it with foreign-language spelling.
• They have never seen the correct plural before.
• It’s simply a typing mistake.

Examples in Sentences

Correct:

• We rented skis for the weekend.
• The athlete repaired his skis.
• Their skis were expensive.
• She carried two pairs of skis.
• Modern skis are lighter than older models.

Incorrect:

• We rented skiis. ❌
• His skiis are new. ❌

Easy Trick to Remember

Think:

One ski → Two skis

Just add S.

Never add another I.

Seel or Seal: Which Word Should You Use

Common Mistakes

❌ Skiis

❌ Ski’s (unless showing possession)

✔️ Skis

Examples:

• The skis are ready. ✅
• The ski’s surface is scratched. ✅ (possessive)
• The skiis are ready. ❌

Skiis vs Skis at a Glance

Feature	Skis	Skiis
Correct spelling	✅	❌
Dictionary accepted	✅	❌
Used worldwide	✅	❌
Recommended in writing	✅	❌

Mini Quiz

Choose the correct answer.

1. We rented new ____ for the trip.

A. Skiis

B. Skis ✅

2. Which spelling is correct?

A. Skiis

B. Skis ✅

3. The athlete carried two pairs of ____

A. Skis ✅

B. Skiis

Did You Know?

The word ski has remained almost unchanged since it entered English from Norwegian. Although its origin is Scandinavian, its plural follows ordinary English grammar: skis.

What Major Dictionaries Say

Leading dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, Oxford English Dictionary, and Collins Dictionary, list skis as the standard plural of ski. None recognize skiis as the correct spelling.

Key Takeaways

• Skis is the correct spelling.
• Skiis is incorrect.
• Simply add -s to ski.
• British and American English both use skis.
• Use skis in every type of writing, from school assignments to professional documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it skis or skiis?

Skis is correct. Skiis is a misspelling.

Q: Why isn’t it spelled skiis?

English forms the plural by adding -s, creating skis.

Q: Is skis correct in British English?

Yes. British English uses skis, just like American English.

Q: What is the plural of ski?

The plural of ski is skis.

Q: Is skiis ever acceptable?

No. Standard English does not accept skiis.

Conclusion

When choosing between skiis and skis, the answer is clear: skis is the only correct spelling. It is accepted in British, American, Canadian, and Australian English and appears in all major dictionaries. Although skiis may seem logical at first glance, it is simply a spelling mistake. Remember the simple rule: one ski, two skis. Using the correct spelling will make your writing clearer, more accurate, and more professional.

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