dope sheet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (C1-C2)Specialised; Technical; Informal within the relevant field (e.g., gambling, motorsports).
Quick answer
What does “dope sheet” mean?
A document in horse racing or motorsport listing detailed information about the competitors, such as past performance records, odds, statistics, and sometimes predictions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A document in horse racing or motorsport listing detailed information about the competitors, such as past performance records, odds, statistics, and sometimes predictions.
A report or summary containing essential data or instructions. In some technical or military contexts, it can refer to an information sheet about aircraft performance. In journalism, a list of upcoming events or story assignments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both horse racing and motorsport in the US and UK, but it is more established in the US, especially for horse racing. In the UK, similar documents are often called 'racing cards' or 'form guides'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a connotation of insider knowledge or specialised, possibly detailed and essential, information.
Frequency
Low frequency in general but slightly more common in American English within the specific gambling subculture. Rarely used in general discourse in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “dope sheet” in a Sentence
consult + dope sheet + (for + [event/date])The + [organizer/journalist/analyst] + compiled + dope sheet + (for + [event])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dope sheet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spent the morning dope-sheeting the runners for the 3:30 at Ascot.
- The tipster dope-sheets the entire card every Friday.
American English
- I need to dope sheet this weekend's NASCAR lineup.
- He was hired to dope sheet the minor league baseball prospects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potential metaphorical use for a concise market summary.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Not used; likely to be misunderstood as relating to drugs.
Technical
Used in specific fields: gambling/horse racing, motorsports, historical military aviation (pilot's information sheet).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dope sheet”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dope sheet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dope sheet”
- Using it in a general context (e.g., 'I read the company's dope sheet').
- Assuming it relates to illegal drugs.
- Confusing it with 'score sheet' or 'fact sheet' without the specific gambling/racing context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in this specific phrase, 'dope' is historical slang for information or facts. It predates the common drug-related meaning.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively within the contexts of gambling (horse racing) and some motorsports.
In horse racing, 'form guide' or 'racing form' are the most widely understood neutral synonyms, especially in British English.
It is strongly discouraged. The term is too niche and likely to cause confusion or be seen as unprofessional slang. Use 'summary document', 'briefing sheet', or 'data sheet' instead.
A document in horse racing or motorsport listing detailed information about the competitors, such as past performance records, odds, statistics, and sometimes predictions.
Dope sheet is usually specialised; technical; informal within the relevant field (e.g., gambling, motorsports). in register.
Dope sheet: in British English it is pronounced /dəʊp ʃiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /doʊp ʃit/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Read the dope sheet (to mean 'get the essential information first').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a detective saying, 'I need the DOPE (information) on this horse race,' and being handed a SHEET of paper. Dope Sheet = Info Sheet.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A PHYSICAL DOCUMENT; COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS IS A MAP/CHART.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'dope sheet' most accurately used?