homestretch

noun

home·​stretch ˈhōm-ˈstrech How to pronounce homestretch (audio)
1
: the part of a racecourse between the last turn and the winning post
2
: a final stage

Examples of homestretch in a Sentence

The horses are in the homestretch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chapman is 37 years old and in the homestretch of his 16th major-league season. John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 By the time Journalism and jockey Umberto Rispoli began passing other horses and taking aim at Fierceness with the rally that had won him the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness and Haskell Stakes, the leader had spurted clear by 2-1/2 lengths turning into the homestretch. Kevin Modesti, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 The inside move of a Thoroughbred on the homestretch, the last roll of the dice—such moments pulse with urgency and splendor. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 But Dinkins needed to galvanize Black and Latino voters in the homestretch. Jonathan Mahler, Curbed, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for homestretch

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of homestretch was in 1841

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Homestretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homestretch. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

homestretch

noun
home·​stretch ˈhōm-ˈstrech How to pronounce homestretch (audio)
1
: the part of a racetrack between the final turn and the finish line
2
: a final stage

More from Merriam-Webster on homestretch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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