WordGarden.ioracecourse
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈeɪskɔːs/
US
- /rˈeɪskɔːrs/
Meanings
Noun
a track and grounds where horse races are held
Beyond the definition
A racecourse is a place where horse races are held. When people use the word, they usually mean the track itself and the area around it, such as the stands, fences, and other parts of the grounds. It is a word strongly linked with horse racing, whether you are thinking of a local track or a famous place like Ascot or Churchill Downs.
In some contexts, the word can also refer more generally to a track for racing, but the usual meaning is still connected to horses. It brings to mind a marked course, spectators watching, and riders and horses moving toward the finish line.
The word "racecourse" usually refers to a track or ground used for horse racing. It can mean the course the horses run on, but it may also include the whole racing venue: the seating areas, rails, stables, and other facilities connected with the event. In everyday English, this is the main and most natural use of the word.
Many racecourses are oval, but they do not all look the same. Some are flat and smooth, while others include jumps, bends, or long straight sections. The exact shape depends on the kind of racing held there. Well-known examples include Ascot in England, Churchill Downs in the United States, and other famous tracks where major horse races take place.
Because of this strong connection, the word often suggests more than just land. It can call up the whole scene: the crowd, the announcements, the careful preparation before a race, and the rush toward the finish. In broader use, it may sometimes refer to a place where races of other kinds are held, but its clearest and most common meaning is a place for horse racing.
Examples
- 1
Race day visit
We went to the racecourse early to get a good place near the finish line.
- Usage
mainly British English; American English often says racetrack
- 2
Race day traffic
On big race days, the road to the racecourse is always packed with traffic.
- 3
Former venue
The old racecourse closed years ago and is now a public park.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- racecoursenoun
Forms
- racecoursespluralnoun