Races Word Meaning

Middle English, from Old Norse rás ‘current’. It was originally a northern English word with the sense ‘rapid forward movement’, which gave rise to the senses ‘contest of speed’ (early 16th century) and ‘channel, path’, i.e. the space traversed (Middle English). The verb dates from the late 17th century

a competition between runners, horses, vehicles, etc. to see which is the fastest in covering a set course

competition between runners, horses, or vehicles

• Hamilton started from pole position and won the race
• I won the first 50-lap race

a strong or rapid current flowing through a narrow channel in the sea or a river

strong or rapid current flowing through narrow channel in sea

• angling for tuna in turbulent tidal races

a water channel, especially one built to lead water to or from a point where its energy is utilized, as in a mill or mine.

water channel

a smooth ring-shaped groove or guide in which a ball bearing or roller bearing runs.

ring-shaped groove or guide

a fenced passageway in a stockyard through which animals pass singly for branding, loading, washing, etc.

fenced passageway in stockyard

(in weaving) the channel along which the shuttle moves.

(in weaving) channel along which shuttle moves

compete with another or others to see who is fastest at covering a set course or achieving an objective

compete with another or others to see who is fastest

• the vet took blood samples from the horses before they raced
• two drivers raced each other through a housing estate

move or progress swiftly or at full speed

move or progress swiftly or at full speed

• I raced into the house
• the afternoon was racing by
• she spoke automatically, while her mind raced ahead