dressage

noun

dres·​sage drə-ˈsäzh How to pronounce dressage (audio)
dre-
often attributive
: the execution by a trained horse of precision movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider

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This is a sport involving the execution of precise movements by a trained horse in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider. The word dressage means “training” in French. Particularly important are the animal’s pace and bearing in performing walks, trots, canters, and more specialized maneuvers. Training is divided into the elementary campagne and the advanced haute école. Dressage competitions have been included in the Olympic Games since 1912. Riders compete as individuals and in teams.

Examples of dressage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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An 8,000-square-foot stone bank barn that once served as a working agricultural structure now has a vast entertaining space and a gym, while a separate equestrian barn is outfitted with 14 stalls, tack and feed rooms, a barn manager’s office, and an outdoor jumping and dressage arena. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025 In Copenhagen, The Garment’s spring collection included equestrian staples like knee-high boots, elevated leggings, and gloves, resulting in a few ensembles that could have gone right to a dressage show. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2025 Sara Morganti is the Olympic para-dressage champion who competes wearing the Loro Piana uniform as part of the Loro Piana Paradressage Team. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 His sister focused on dressage, his brother became a farrier and Simon gravitated toward jumping. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dressage

Word History

Etymology

French, from dresser to train, drill, from Middle French

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dressage was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Dressage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dressage. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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