Racing
'reɪsɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo participate in a contest of speed.
'reɪsɪŋ
To compete in a race.
The horses are racing towards the finish line.
💡 Simply: Racing is like a super-fast competition where people or animals try to be the quickest to get to the finish line! Think of car races, running races, or even horse races. It’s all about going as fast as you can!
👶 For kids: Racing is when people or animals try to run or drive as fast as they can to see who is the fastest.
More Examples
He is racing to catch the train.
She loves to go racing every weekend.
How It's Used
"Professional drivers are always racing against time."
"The two cyclists were racing neck and neck."
The sport or activity of competing in races.
'reɪsɪŋ
The activity of competing in races.
He enjoys watching car racing.
💡 Simply: Racing is the fun activity of having races! It's the whole experience, from the cars zooming around the track to the horses galloping, or even people running super fast. It is about the excitement of competing and winning (or trying to!).
👶 For kids: Racing is playing a game where you try to be the fastest, like running a race or driving a race car.
More Examples
The racing season starts in the spring.
She is involved in horse racing.
How It's Used
"He has a passion for motor racing."
"Horse racing is a popular sport in the UK."
Idioms & expressions
race against time
To hurry to do something before the time runs out.
"Doctors are often racing against time to save a patient's life."
a race
A competition to see who is fastest in a sport.
"The race was exciting."
From the noun 'race' (a contest of speed), which comes from Old Norse 'rás' meaning 'a running, course'. The verb form developed in the 16th century.
Historically, racing and related activities like competitive running or chariot racing have been present in many ancient cultures, showing a consistent human fascination with speed and competition.
Memory tip
Imagine the starting gun and the roar of the crowd – racing is all about speed!
Word Origin
"a running, course"