race

Definition

A contest between people, animals, vehicles, etc. where the goal is to be the first to reach some objective.

Etymology

From Middle English race, partially from Old English rǣs (“a race, swift or violent running, rush, onset”), from Proto-West Germanic *rās; and partially from Old Norse rás (“a running, race”); both from Proto-Germanic *rēsō (“a course”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁reh₁s- (“to flow, rush”). Cognate with Middle Low German râs ("a strong current"; whence German Low German Raas (“mad rush, rage, fury”)), Dutch ras (“a strong whirling current”), Danish ræs, Norwegian and Swedish ras, Norwegian rås.

Example Sentences

• "Several horses ran in a horse race: the first one to reach the finishing post won."
• "The race to cure cancer"
• "The race around the park was won by Johnny, who ran faster than the others."