showjumping: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical (equestrian), journalistic (sports reporting).
Quick answer
What does “showjumping” mean?
A competitive equestrian sport where riders guide horses through a series of obstacles, aiming for speed and precision without knocking down any fences.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A competitive equestrian sport where riders guide horses through a series of obstacles, aiming for speed and precision without knocking down any fences.
The sport itself as an event or discipline; can metaphorically describe any activity requiring a series of precise, agile maneuvers under pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'showjumping' as a closed compound. The sport is equally recognized but has slightly higher cultural prominence in the UK/Ireland as part of eventing.
Connotations
UK: Strong associations with rural events, county fairs, and elite equestrianism like the Badminton Horse Trials. US: Often viewed as a niche, upper-class equestrian discipline alongside dressage.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to greater media coverage of equestrian events.
Grammar
How to Use “showjumping” in a Sentence
[Subject] competes in showjumping[Subject] is talented at showjumpingThe [event] features showjumpingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “showjumping” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She has been showjumping since she was twelve.
- They will be showjumping at the county show next weekend.
American English
- He started showjumping in college.
- The team is showjumping in Florida this winter.
adjective
British English
- The showjumping community was thrilled with the new funding.
- She bought a showjumping saddle.
American English
- He has a showjumping background.
- The showjumping circuit is quite demanding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in sponsorship contexts (e.g., 'The company sponsors a showjumping team').
Academic
Used in sports science papers analysing equine physiology or rider biomechanics.
Everyday
Limited to those with an interest in horses or sports news.
Technical
Precise terminology regarding courses, faults, and scoring in equestrian rulebooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “showjumping”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “showjumping”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showjumping”
- Using 'show jumping' as separate words (archaic). Confusing it with 'steeplechase' (which involves longer distances and fixed fences).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern standard English, it is almost always written as one closed compound word: 'showjumping'.
Showjumping is a single discipline focusing on jumping fences in an arena. Eventing is a combined competition that includes dressage, cross-country, AND showjumping.
Yes, though less common. It can be used informally (e.g., 'She spends her weekends showjumping'). The more formal alternative is 'compete in showjumping'.
Yes, showjumping has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912, both as an individual and team event.
A competitive equestrian sport where riders guide horses through a series of obstacles, aiming for speed and precision without knocking down any fences.
Showjumping is usually formal, technical (equestrian), journalistic (sports reporting). in register.
Showjumping: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊdʒʌmpɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊdʒʌmpɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clear round (a perfect performance)”
- “Knock-on effect (from a fence fault affecting subsequent performance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHOW' your skill by 'JUMPING' over fences in a show.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SHOWJUMPING COURSE: navigating a series of challenging obstacles with grace and precision.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary objective in a showjumping competition?