steeplechasing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized / Sporting / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “steeplechasing” mean?
The sport of racing horses over a course of fences, hedges, and water jumps.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sport of racing horses over a course of fences, hedges, and water jumps; also extended metaphorically to any challenging, obstacle-filled race or pursuit.
A long, difficult race or series of challenges, often involving diverse obstacles. Used figuratively for any demanding, multi-stage process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from and is most closely associated with British and Irish horseracing. In American English, it is understood but less central to general sporting culture than flat racing.
Connotations
UK: Strong associations with tradition, the Grand National, and rural sport. US: Often perceived as a niche, elite equestrian event.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK/Irish English, especially during major race meetings. In US, more common in specific equestrian contexts or figurative use.
Grammar
How to Use “steeplechasing” in a Sentence
be involved in steeplechasingtake up steeplechasingdominate steeplechasingretire from steeplechasingVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively to describe a complex merger process or a series of regulatory hurdles.
Academic
May appear in sports history, veterinary studies related to equine injuries, or as a metaphor in literary analysis.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation outside of sports fans; figurative use in describing a hectic day or difficult project.
Technical
Specific to equestrian sports; involves knowledge of fences (brush, open ditch, water jump), racing conditions, and horse breeding/training.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steeplechasing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steeplechasing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steeplechasing”
- Confusing 'steeplechase' (the race) with 'steeplechasing' (the activity/sport).
- Using it as a verb (*'He steeplechases') is rare; prefer 'He is a steeplechase jockey' or 'He competes in steeplechasing.'
- Misspelling as 'steeple chasing'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes. While the term originates from a human footrace (imitating the horse sport), modern usage almost exclusively refers to the equestrian event. Figurative use extends the concept to other areas.
In horse racing, steeplechase fences are larger, solid, and more demanding (brush, ditches, water jumps). Hurdles are smaller, lighter obstacles designed to be knocked over. Steeplechasing is the broader sport encompassing both, but 'chase' specifically refers to the bigger fences.
It is very uncommon. The noun form 'steeplechasing' or the verb 'to steeplechase' (rare) are used for the activity. Typically, you'd say "He competes in steeplechasing" or "He is a steeplechaser."
It originated in 18th-century Ireland, where riders would race cross-country from one church steeple (a visible landmark) to another, jumping fences, ditches, and streams along the way.
The sport of racing horses over a course of fences, hedges, and water jumps.
Steeplechasing is usually specialized / sporting / figurative in register.
Steeplechasing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstiːp(ə)lˌtʃeɪsɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstipəlˌtʃeɪsɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life's a steeplechase”
- “a steeplechase of a day”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a church steeple as a distant landmark to race towards, but first you must jump over all the obstacles in the fields to reach it.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A STEEPLECHASE; A DIFFICULT TASK IS NAVIGATING AN OBSTACLE COURSE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'steeplechasing'?