steeplechase

noun

stee·​ple·​chase ˈstē-pəl-ˌchās How to pronounce steeplechase (audio)
1
a
: a horse race across country
b
: a horse race over a closed course with obstacles (such as hedges and walls)
2
: a footrace of usually 3000 meters over hurdles and a water jump
steeplechaser noun
steeplechasing noun

Examples of steeplechase in a Sentence

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.
Sean Nevin The men's steeplechase is one of the Olympics' most eye-catching track and field events. NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024 The water jump is unique to the steeplechase: A sloping, 2-foot-deep water pool lies behind one of the barriers. NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024 Annual events, such as The Virginia Fall Races’ steeplechase in the spring and the Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship in autumn, bring equestrians, trailers of horses, and thousands of spectators to town. Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2024 The women’s program didn’t include the 3,000-meter steeplechase, an obstacle race, until 2008. Maggie Mertens, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steeplechase 

Word History

Etymology

from the use of church steeples as landmarks to guide the riders

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of steeplechase was in 1793

Dictionary Entries Near steeplechase

Cite this Entry

“Steeplechase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steeplechase. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

steeplechase

noun
stee·​ple·​chase ˈstē-pəl-ˌchās How to pronounce steeplechase (audio)
1
a
: a race over the countryside on horses
b
: a horse race on a special course with obstacles (as hedges and walls)
2
: a footrace of usually 3,000 meters over hurdles and a water jump
steeplechaser noun
Etymology

so called from the fact that originally the races were across the countryside in a direct line toward a distant church steeple sighted rising above the other buildings

More from Merriam-Webster on steeplechase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!