English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun Uncommon

racer

RAY-suh

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Racer (noun) means someone or something that takes part in a race. Example: “The young racer finished third in her first professional event.”

noun

1

Someone or something that takes part in a race.

"The young racer finished third in her first professional event."

2

Any of several fast-moving species of slender, non-venomous snakes.

"A black racer slithered quickly into the underbrush."

How to use racer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person, vehicle, or animal built or used for racing — also the name of a family of fast snakes.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: racers

Test yourself on “racer” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The young _____ finished third in her first professional event.

Etymology

Formed by adding the agent suffix "-er" to "race"; first recorded in the mid-1600s.

· First attested 1600

Class of 1600 racer joined the language around 1600.

abigail accommodation Amish Baroque beau

See the full Class of 1600 →

Synonyms

race car racing car race driver automobile driver

Rhymes for racer

pacer tracer

See all rhymes for racer →

Frequently asked questions

What does “racer” mean?

The word “racer” means someone or something that takes part in a race. In plain terms, a person, vehicle, or animal built or used for racing — also the name of a family of fast snakes.

How do you pronounce “racer”?

“Racer” is pronounced RAY-suh (/ˈɹeɪ.səɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “racer” in a sentence?

Here is “racer” used in a sentence: “The young racer finished third in her first professional event.”

What part of speech is “racer”?

“Racer” is a noun.

Where does the word “racer” come from?

The word “racer” dates back to around 1600. Formed by adding the agent suffix "-er" to "race"; first recorded in the mid-1600s.

Is “racer” a common word?

“Racer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “racer” have?

“Racer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone or something that takes part in a race.