starting stalls: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Sporting
Quick answer
What does “starting stalls” mean?
A set of mechanical gates used at the beginning of a horse or greyhound race to ensure all competitors begin simultaneously.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of mechanical gates used at the beginning of a horse or greyhound race to ensure all competitors begin simultaneously.
In a broader metaphorical sense, it can refer to any mechanism or situation designed to ensure a fair and simultaneous beginning to a competitive event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'starting stalls' is dominant in British English. In American English, 'starting gates' is the more common term, especially in horse racing.
Connotations
In the UK, 'starting stalls' carries a strong association with formal, regulated racing. In the US, 'starting gate' is the standard term with the same technical meaning.
Frequency
High frequency in UK horse/greyhound racing commentary and journalism; low frequency in general American English, where 'gate' is preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “starting stalls” in a Sentence
The horse was loaded into the starting stalls.The stewards ordered a check of the starting stalls.They emerged from the starting stalls in unison.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “starting stalls” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The favourite was reluctant to enter the starting stalls.
- A malfunction in the starting stalls caused a delay.
American English
- The favourite was hesitant going into the starting gates.
- A problem with the starting gate held up the race.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorically: 'The new product had a good launch, getting out of the starting stalls quickly.'
Academic
Very rare, except in sports history or engineering contexts.
Everyday
Uncommon unless discussing racing.
Technical
Standard term in equine/greyhound sports, veterinary contexts, and racecourse engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “starting stalls”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “starting stalls”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “starting stalls”
- Using 'starting stalls' for human foot races (use 'starting blocks').
- Confusing with 'stables' (where horses live).
- Saying 'starting stall' in singular for the whole structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, for human sprinting, the equipment is called 'starting blocks'.
Rarely. It is almost always plural, referring to the complete set of gates for all runners. One compartment might be called a 'stall'.
To ensure a fair and simultaneous start for all competitors in a race, preventing any runner from gaining an early advantage.
No, they are standard for flat races. For jump races (like hurdles or steeplechase), a 'tape start' or 'walking start' is often used.
A set of mechanical gates used at the beginning of a horse or greyhound race to ensure all competitors begin simultaneously.
Starting stalls is usually technical/sporting in register.
Starting stalls: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːtɪŋ stɔːlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑrtɪŋ stɔlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Be slow out of the starting stalls (to begin slowly).”
- “A level playing field from the starting stalls (a fair beginning).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine STALLions (stallions) waiting in STALLS to START a race.
Conceptual Metaphor
RACING IS A CONTROLLED RELEASE (from a confined space).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the US equivalent of 'starting stalls'?