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Steeplechase: meaning, definitions and examples

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steeplechase

 

[ ˈsti.pəl.ˌʧeɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

horse racing

A steeplechase is a distance race in which runners must navigate a variety of obstacles, including water jumps and fences. Traditionally, this race type became popular in the United Kingdom and involved the horse and rider jumping over the hurdles set against a backdrop of churches or steeples, hence the name. It requires not only speed but also agility and stamina from both the horse and the jockey. Steeplechase events are often held on turf, and they are a prominent feature in horse racing circuits.

Synonyms

cross-country race, obstacle course, race

Examples of usage

  • The annual steeplechase attracted numerous spectators.
  • She won the steeplechase at the local horse racing event.
  • The jockey skillfully guided the horse through the steeplechase obstacles.

Translations

Translations of the word "steeplechase" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corrida de obstáculos

🇮🇳 स्टिपलचेस

🇩🇪 Hürdenlauf

🇮🇩 lari rintangan

🇺🇦 переправа з перешкодами

🇵🇱 bieg z przeszkodami

🇯🇵 スティープルチェイス

🇫🇷 course d'obstacles

🇪🇸 carrera de obstáculos

🇹🇷 engelli koşu

🇰🇷 스티플체이스

🇸🇦 سباق الحواجز

🇨🇿 překážkový běh

🇸🇰 prekážkový beh

🇨🇳 障碍赛跑

🇸🇮 tekma z ovirami

🇮🇸 hindrun

🇰🇿 кедергімен жүгіру

🇬🇪 ბარიერის გადალახვა

🇦🇿 manevrli qaçış

🇲🇽 carrera con obstáculos

Etymology

The term 'steeplechase' originates from the 19th century and is derived from the practice of racing from one church steeple to another. The amateur sport began in England where participants were required to traverse various types of terrain and obstacles along the way. Originally, these races did not involve horses; they were foot races that took place across fields and through rivers. As equestrian culture evolved, the concept was adapted to include horses, leading to the establishment of formal steeplechase races for horse racing events. The first recorded steeplechase was organized in 1810 in Ireland, and it has since become a prominent event in horse racing championships.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,103, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.