Figure skating is skating in an attractive pattern, usually with spins and jumps included.
figure skating in British English
noun
1.
ice skating in which the skater traces outlines of selected patterns
2.
the whole art of skating, as distinct from skating at speed
Derived forms
figure skater
noun
figure skating in American English
ice skating with emphasis, esp. formerly, on the tracing of elaborate figures on the ice by the performer and, now, on athletic leaps and spins, displays of agility, etc.