What does race mean?
A race is, most commonly, a contest of speed or endurance, such as a running race, swimming race, or competition involving horses or vehicles. The word can also refer to a person’s inherited or cultural background, though contemporary usage often favors more precise terms such as ethnicity or racial group. In political and business contexts, a race denotes an urgent contest for advantage, as in a race to market or an arms race. As a verb, to race means to take part in a speed contest or to move with great speed. Its uses range from literal athletics to figurative descriptions of intense competition, and the word is standard in both British and American English.
A contest of speed or endurance, especially one involving runners, swimmers, horses, vehicles, or other competitors.
"The rowing race took place on a calm river."
A race is usually countable in this sense and is often modified by the type of contest, such as a horse race or a road race.
A group of people regarded as sharing particular inherited physical or cultural characteristics, especially an ethnic group.
"The exhibition presents the history and art of many races from around the world."
This sense is sensitive in historical and political contexts; precise terms such as ethnicity, people, or community are often preferable when they are accurate.
A contest for advantage, supremacy, or success, especially one involving intense or urgent competition.
"The candidates are in a race to win enough support to secure the nomination."
This is a common figurative use, especially in journalism and business writing.
To take part in a contest of speed, or to move with great speed.
"The cars raced around the track while the crowd watched from the barriers."
The verb can also be transitive, meaning to compete against in a speed contest, as in 'race an opponent.'
The plural is used for individual contests and for groups of people classified by shared characteristics.
"Several races are scheduled for the weekend, including both sprint and distance events."
The same word can mean a contest for speed, a category of people, or the fierce competition for advantage known as an arms race.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does race come from?
The word comes through Old French race from Latin radices, related to radix, meaning 'root' or 'origin.' The English noun originally referred to a running contest, and by the early modern period it had developed meanings involving lineage or descent. The related English words radical, radish, and radix preserve the same Latin root, although their modern senses have diverged considerably.
Related word forms
How race is actually used
The noun is common in British and American English. In the sense of a contest, it is usually countable. In the sense of an ethnic or social group, modern usage often prefers the more precise terms ethnicity or racial group, and the term can be sensitive in political and historical contexts. As a verb, it commonly means to compete at speed and can be used transitively, as in 'race the car.'
Easily confused with race
A race is a contest involving speed, whereas a rate is a measured amount or frequency per unit of time.
A race is a competition or an ethnic classification, while racy means suggestive or exciting in a slightly improper or thrilling way.