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.
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 The chaos of a steeplechase is, in some nutty yet logical way, handed down. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 For the first time in its 157-year history, the Grand National steeplechase is declared void because of a false start. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steeplechase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steeplechase. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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

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