pursuit
puh-SYOOT
Pursuit (noun) means the act of chasing or seeking after something or someone. Example: “The dog set off in pursuit of the rabbit across the field.”
noun
1
The act of chasing or seeking after something or someone.
"The dog set off in pursuit of the rabbit across the field."
"The police gave chase in a high-speed pursuit through the city."
"She dedicated her life to the pursuit of scientific truth."
2
A hobby or activity someone regularly does for enjoyment.
"Fishing is a relaxing pursuit that my grandfather enjoys every weekend."
"Cycling and chess are his two main pursuits outside work."
"Gardening is one of his favourite leisure pursuits."
3
A track cycling event where two riders or teams start on opposite sides of the track and try to catch each other.
"The team pursuit needs four riders who work closely together around the track."
"In the pursuit, the rider tried to catch her opponent before the final lap."
"She won gold in the individual pursuit at the velodrome."
How to use pursuit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishChasing or working toward something, or a hobby you regularly do.
Common pairings
in pursuit of
leisure pursuit
high-speed pursuit
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Word forms
- Plural
- pursuits
Fill the gap
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The dog set off in _____ of the rabbit across the field.
Etymology
From Old French poursuite, tied to the verb "to pursue" — literally the act of following after.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for pursuit
See all rhymes for pursuit →Frequently asked questions
What does “pursuit” mean?
The word “pursuit” means the act of chasing or seeking after something or someone. In plain terms, chasing or working toward something, or a hobby you regularly do.
How do you pronounce “pursuit”?
“Pursuit” is pronounced puh-SYOOT (/pɝˈsut/ in IPA).
How do you use “pursuit” in a sentence?
Here is “pursuit” used in a sentence: “The police gave chase in a high-speed pursuit through the city.”
What part of speech is “pursuit”?
“Pursuit” is a noun.
Where does the word “pursuit” come from?
The word “pursuit” comes from Old French. From Old French poursuite, tied to the verb "to pursue" — literally the act of following after.
Is “pursuit” a common word?
“Pursuit” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pursuit” have?
“Pursuit” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of chasing or seeking after something or someone.
What is the difference between 'pursuit' and 'chase'?
A chase usually means physically running after someone or something. Pursuit is broader and more formal, covering both physical chasing and the wider act of seeking after a goal, such as the pursuit of knowledge.
Can 'pursuit' mean a hobby?
Yes. Besides chasing or seeking, a pursuit can be a hobby or activity someone regularly does for enjoyment, as in 'reading is her favorite pursuit.' Such activities are often called leisure pursuits.
