horse racing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “horse racing” mean?
A sport in which horses, ridden by jockeys, race against each other over a set distance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sport in which horses, ridden by jockeys, race against each other over a set distance.
The sport, industry, and associated betting activities centered on competitive horse races; also used metaphorically for any intense competition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core term is identical. UK: more common use of 'racing' alone (e.g., 'going to the races'). US: specific events often called 'horse races'. Spelling: 'racehorse' (one word) in both variants.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical and social associations (e.g., Royal Ascot, 'the sport of kings'). US: Broader associations with gambling (Kentucky Derby) and spectacle.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in UK due to cultural prominence.
Grammar
How to Use “horse racing” in a Sentence
[N] is popular in [Place][Person] is interested in [N]to watch/follow [N]the [Adj] of [N]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “horse racing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They often go horse racing at Newmarket.
- He has been horse racing for years.
American English
- We went horse racing at Churchill Downs.
- She enjoys horse racing on weekends.
adverb
British English
- They were talking horse-racing all evening. (informal, adverbial)
American English
- The channel broadcasts horse-racing weekly. (adverbial compound)
adjective
British English
- The horse-racing community was shocked by the result.
- He follows all the horse-racing news.
American English
- The horse racing industry is a major employer there.
- She reads the horse racing form daily.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the multi-billion pound industry encompassing breeding, training, events, and gambling.
Academic
Studied in contexts of social history, economics of gambling, and animal ethics.
Everyday
Discussed as a leisure activity, spectator sport, or topic for casual betting.
Technical
Involves specific terminology: furlong, handicap, silks, photo finish, going.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “horse racing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “horse racing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “horse racing”
- Using it as a countable noun (*'a horse racing').
- Confusing 'horse racing' (sport) with 'horse race' (a specific event).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is written as two separate words. The hyphenated form 'horse-racing' is sometimes used when it functions as a compound adjective (e.g., horse-racing tips).
'Horse racing' specifically refers to competitive racing for speed. 'Equestrianism' is a broader term for all horse sports, including dressage, show jumping, and eventing.
Not in a standard dictionary sense. The phrase can be used descriptively in sentences like 'He goes horse racing', where 'go' is the verb and 'horse racing' is the object of the preposition.
Yes, the main types are 'flat racing' (on a level track without obstacles) and 'jump racing' (or National Hunt racing, which includes hurdles and steeplechases). Harness racing, where horses pull a sulky, is another distinct form.
A sport in which horses, ridden by jockeys, race against each other over a set distance.
Horse racing is usually neutral in register.
Horse racing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːs ˌreɪsɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːrs ˌreɪsɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a two-horse race (a competition with only two serious contenders)”
- “a dark horse (an unexpected competitor)”
- “to back the wrong horse (to support a losing cause)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HORSE RACing down a track. The two words together describe the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/COMPETITION IS A HORSE RACE (e.g., 'It's a long race', 'He's an early front-runner').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common register for 'horse racing'?