steeplechase

noun

stee·​ple·​chase ˈstē-pəl-ˌchās 

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

ˈstē-pəl-ˌchā-sər 

noun

steeplechasing

ˈstē-pəl-ˌchā-siŋ 

noun

Examples of steeplechase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The steeplechase, the Frankenstein's monster of the track and field world, combines speed, precision and timing. —Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 4 Aug. 2024

On Friday, the Brigham Young University junior advanced to nationals after a steady performance in the first heat of the 3,000 meter steeplechase in 8:31.79. —Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

The host Ducks came up big, winning eight events, including Benjamin Balazs winning the steeplechase and posting one of the top 10 times in Oregon history. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025

This classic tale helped make Taylor a star, giving her a showcase as a young woman who dreams of entering a troublesome horse in England's Grand National steeplechase. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for steeplechase

• aerospace
• anatase
• anyplace
• commonplace
• cyberspace
• database
• diabase
• diastase
• dnase
• elastase
• fireplace
• hyperspace

Kids Definition

steeplechase

noun

stee·​ple·​chase ˈstē-pəl-ˌchās 

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

-ˌchā-sər 

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