race
race
(reɪs )Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense races , present participle racing , past tense, past participle raced
1. countable noun
A race is a competition to see who is the fastest, for example in running, swimming, or driving.
The women's race was won by the American, Patti Sue Plumer.
2. verb
If you race, you take part in a race.
In the 10 years I raced in Europe, 30 drivers were killed. [VERB]
They may even have raced each other–but not regularly. [VERB noun]
[Also V + against]3. plural noun
4. countable noun [usually singular]
A race is a situation in which people or organizations compete with each other for power or control.
The race for the White House begins in earnest today.
The race is on to build up membership fast.
6. variable noun
A race is one of the major groups which human beings can be divided into according to their physical features, such as the colour of their skin.
The College welcomes students of all races, faiths, and nationalities.
Discrimination by employers on the grounds of race and nationality was illegal.
7. See also human race, race relations
8. verb
9. verb
If something races towards a particular state or position, it moves very fast towards that state or position.
Do they realize we are racing towards complete economic collapse? [VERB preposition/adverb]
American economic growth raced ahead. [VERB preposition/adverb]
10. verb
If you race a vehicle or animal, you prepare it for races and make it take part in races.
He still raced sports cars as often as he could. [VERB noun]
11. verb
If your mind races, or if thoughts race through your mind, you think very fast about something, especially when you are in a difficult or dangerous situation.
I made sure I sounded calm but my mind was racing. [VERB]
Already her mind was racing ahead to the hundred and one things she had to do. [VERB adverb/preposition]
Bits and pieces of the past raced through her mind. [VERB adverb/preposition]
12. verb
13. See also racing
