speedwalk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (technical/specific domain)Specialized/Technical (Sports, Fitness, Formal Instruction)
Quick answer
What does “speedwalk” mean?
To walk at an exceptionally fast pace, faster than normal walking but not quite running, typically in a formal or competitive context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To walk at an exceptionally fast pace, faster than normal walking but not quite running, typically in a formal or competitive context.
To move or progress with urgent, rapid steps; can metaphorically describe rapid advancement or execution in non-physical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly, but 'racewalk' is a more common technical synonym in both. The hyphenated form 'speed-walk' is slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
In both, it can imply a slightly humorous or inelegant haste when used outside of formal athletic contexts.
Frequency
Rare in general discourse; most frequent in sports journalism, fitness instructions, or informal descriptions of hurried movement.
Grammar
How to Use “speedwalk” in a Sentence
SUBJ speedwalk [through/around/across] OBJ (Place)SUBJ speedwalk [to/from] OBJ (Destination/Origin)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speedwalk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had to speed-walk through the rain to get to the lecture on time.
- Competitors must speedwalk the entire course without breaking into a run.
American English
- He speedwalked through the terminal to make his connecting flight.
- The coach made us speedwalk four laps as a warm-up.
adjective
British English
- The speedwalk event was scheduled for 10 a.m.
- She follows a strict speedwalk regimen.
American English
- He joined a speedwalk club for low-impact cardio.
- The speedwalk technique requires keeping one foot on the ground.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal contexts: 'He had to speedwalk to the conference room for the emergency meeting.'
Academic
Very rare outside of sports science or kinesiology texts.
Everyday
Informal: 'I'll have to speedwalk if I want to catch that bus.'
Technical
Primary context: Refers to the athletic discipline or a specific high-velocity walking gait in fitness training.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speedwalk”
- Using it to mean 'run slowly'. Confusing it with 'jog'. Misspelling as one word when hyphen may be preferred ('speed-walk').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, they are often synonymous. However, 'racewalking' is the formal, technical term for the Olympic sport with very specific rules about form and foot contact.
It is best to use 'racewalk' or 'power walk' in formal contexts. 'Speedwalk' is more informal and descriptive.
Yes, it is an excellent low-impact cardiovascular exercise that can improve fitness and endurance.
In proper speedwalking or racewalking, one foot must remain in contact with the ground at all times, whereas running involves a flight phase where both feet are off the ground.
To walk at an exceptionally fast pace, faster than normal walking but not quite running, typically in a formal or competitive context.
Speedwalk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspiːdˌwɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspiːdˌwɔːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPEED + WALK: Imagine a pedestrian crossing signal counting down, forcing you to combine SPEED with your WALK.
Conceptual Metaphor
URGENT MOVEMENT IS A FORMALIZED FAST WALK (e.g., 'The project is speedwalking through the approval process').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'speedwalk' MOST likely to be used accurately?