steeplechase

noun stee·ple·chase \ -ˌchās \

Definition of steeplechase

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

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steeplechaser

play \-ˌchā-sər\ noun

—

steeplechasing

play \-siŋ\ noun

See steeplechase defined for English-language learners

See steeplechase defined for kids

Recent Examples of steeplechase from the Web

Emma Coburn and UMKC product Courtney Frerichs pulled off an unlikely and historic 1-2 finish for the United States in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the World Track and Field Championships on Friday.

— kansascity, "Nixa native, UMKC product Frerichs part of gold-silver finish for U.S. in London," 11 Aug. 2017
Also in 17-18, Haden Kellagher was fourth in the 3,000 in 10:43.75; Cameron Harrison, fourth in the 2,000 steeplechase in 8:22.32; and Jayden Morley, fifth in the 800 in 2:03.79.

— bill blewett, The Aegis, "Pawlukovich, Fisher complete 100-mile race in less than a day," 27 July 2017
Also competing in the 17-18 bracket, Click captured first place in the steeplechase with a 7:56.92.

— bob narang, Lake County News-Sun, "Lake Forest's Emma Milburn, Haley Click lead local club's national qualifiers," 21 July 2017
Ostrander, the Kenai runner who's gone on to win an NCAA steeplechase title – won six consecutive junior girls races from 2009-14.

— doyle woody, Alaska Dispatch News, "In tough conditions, Jager, Gellert repeat as Mount Marathon junior champions," 4 July 2017
Andy Bayer (Leo) was fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase for a third straight year.

— david woods, Indianapolis Star, "Ashley Spencer 4th in deepest 400 hurdles race of all time," 25 June 2017
Evan Jager (steeplechase), Ajee Wilson (800), Jarrion Lawson (long jump), Emmanuel Corvera (men's race walk), Maria Michta-Coffey (women's race walk), Bryan McBride (high jump), Donavan Brazier (800) also won. ...

— Bloomberg.com, "Healthy After Kidney Transplant, Merritt Returns to Worlds," 25 June 2017
There are a number of finals, among them the women's 400 meters, the men's 400, the women's steeplechase, the women's 1,500, the men's 1,500 and the women's 100 hurdles.

— ken goe, OregonLive.com, "Live Updates: Devon Allen in action, Matthew Centrowitz looks for USATF Championships title," 24 June 2017
Indiana University graduate Sarah Pease was seventh in the women’s steeplechase in 9:47.41.

— david woods, Indianapolis Star, "Purdue's Dani Bunch makes U.S. team with world's No. 2 shot put," 24 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'steeplechase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of steeplechase

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1793

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STEEPLECHASE Defined for English Language Learners

steeplechase

noun

Definition of steeplechase for English Language Learners

: a race in which people riding horses jump over fences, water, etc.
: a race in which runners jump over fences and water

STEEPLECHASE Defined for Kids

steeplechase

noun stee·ple·chase \ ˈstē-pəl-ˌchās \

Definition of steeplechase for Students

1 :a horse race across country

2 :a race on a course that has hedges, walls, and ditches to be crossed

Learn More about steeplechase

See words that rhyme with steeplechase Spanish Central: Translation of steeplechase Nglish: Translation of steeplechase for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steeplechase

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steeplechaser

steeplechasing

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steeplechase

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steeplechase

Definition of steeplechase

steeplechaser

steeplechasing

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