corrida: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1-C2 vocabulary, domain-specific)Formal, Literary, Technical (in cultural/travel contexts)
Quick answer
What does “corrida” mean?
A formal bullfight, especially as practiced in Spain, Portugal, southern France, and parts of Latin America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal bullfight, especially as practiced in Spain, Portugal, southern France, and parts of Latin America.
The entire event or spectacle of a bullfight, including the ritual, pageantry, and sequence of acts leading to the bull's death. It can also refer metaphorically to any intense, dangerous, or chaotic situation resembling the drama of a bullfight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare in both varieties. UK usage might appear more in travel writing about Spain. US usage might be slightly more frequent in southwestern states with Hispanic cultural ties, but remains niche.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: cultural specificity, tradition, controversy (animal rights), danger, and spectacle.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Higher frequency in texts specifically about Spanish culture, travel, or anthropology.
Grammar
How to Use “corrida” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] corrida [VERB in past tense]...We attended a corrida in [PLACE].The spectacle of the corrida [VERB]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corrida” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable - noun only)
American English
- (Not applicable - noun only)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable - noun only)
American English
- (Not applicable - noun only)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable - noun only. 'Corrida' can be used attributively, e.g., 'corrida culture').
American English
- (Not applicable - noun only. 'Corrida' can be used attributively, e.g., 'corrida traditions').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, cultural studies, and Hispanic literature papers discussing the ritual and social aspects of bullfighting.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by someone describing a travel experience in Spain: "We saw a corrida in Seville."
Technical
Specific to writings on tauromachy (the art/science of bullfighting), describing the formal structure and rules of the event.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corrida”
- Using 'corrida' to mean a race or marathon (influence from Spanish 'correr').
- Pronouncing it /kəˈraɪdə/ (like 'corrode').
- Using it as a general term for any fight.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency loanword used primarily in specific contexts related to Spanish culture, travel, or academic study.
No. Despite the Spanish verb 'correr' (to run), in English 'corrida' exclusively refers to a bullfight. Use 'race', 'marathon', or 'run' instead.
The word itself is neutral, but the subject it refers to (bullfighting) is highly controversial. Be aware that using it may evoke strong opinions regarding animal welfare and tradition.
'Corrida' is the specific Spanish term for the formal, ritualistic spectacle. 'Bullfight' is the general English translation and can be used more broadly, but 'corrida' adds cultural specificity.
A formal bullfight, especially as practiced in Spain, Portugal, southern France, and parts of Latin America.
Corrida is usually formal, literary, technical (in cultural/travel contexts) in register.
Corrida: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈriːdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔːˈriːdə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(like being) in a corrida (for a chaotic situation)”
- “The meeting turned into a verbal corrida.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CORRIDor lined with fans leading to the Arena for a bullfight: CORRID-A.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A CORRIDA (a struggle with a destined, dramatic outcome); A CONFLICT/DEBATE IS A CORRIDA (a structured, public contest with a winner and loser).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'corrida' in English?