race

noun (1)

\ ˈrās

Definition of race

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 chiefly Scotland : the act of running

2a : a strong or rapid current of water flowing through a narrow channel

b : a watercourse used industrially

c : the current flowing in such a course

3a : a set course or duration of time

b : the course of life

4a : a contest of speed

b races plural : a meeting in which several races (as for horses) are run

c : a contest or rivalry involving progress toward a goal pennant race

5 : a track or channel in which something rolls or slides specifically : a groove (as for the balls) in a bearing — see roller bearing illustration

race

verb

raced; racing

Definition of race (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to compete in a race

2 : to go, move, or function at top speed or out of control people racing for safety struggled to sleep as his mind raced

3 : to revolve too fast under a diminished load

transitive verb

1 : to engage in a race with

2a : to enter in a race

b : to drive or ride at high speed

c : to transport or propel at maximum speed

3 : to speed (an engine) without a working load or with the transmission disengaged

race

noun (2)

Definition of race (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a breeding stock of animals

2a : a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock

b : a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics

3a : an actually or potentially interbreeding group within a species also : a taxonomic category (such as a subspecies) representing such a group

b : breed

c : a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits

4 obsolete : inherited temperament or disposition

5 : distinctive flavor, taste, or strength

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about race

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Examples of race in a Sentence

Verb

Eight horses will race for the cup. That horse will never race again. She's going to race the champion. They raced each other home. I'll race you to see who gets there first. She races cars for a living. The flood raced through the valley. The truck's engine was racing. The dog raced ahead of me.