racing

The word “racing” means the sport or activity of competing in races. In plain terms, the general sport of taking part in races, whether on foot, on horseback, or in vehicles.

“Racing” is pronounced RAY-sihng (/ˈɹeɪsɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “racing” used in a sentence: “He got into horse racing after visiting the track with his father.”

“Racing” is a noun.

“Racing” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Racing takes many forms. Motorsport includes car, motorcycle, and kart racing. Animal racing covers horse and greyhound racing. Human racing includes running, cycling, swimming, and rowing. There's also boat and yacht racing, plus newer forms like drone racing. Each pits competitors against one another to be fastest.

A race is a single contest — one event where competitors try to finish first. Racing is the wider sport or activity of taking part in races generally. You might win a race, but you follow racing as a sport. One is a specific event; the other is the ongoing pursuit.

Yes. Beyond the sport, 'racing' describes moving or happening at high speed — 'the car came racing round the corner,' or 'my heart was racing.' It can also mean rushing against time, as in 'racing to meet the deadline.' The common thread is rapid, urgent movement or pace.

Formula 1 and NASCAR are famous car racing series; the Grand National and the Kentucky Derby are horse racing events. On a smaller scale, a school sports day, a local cycling club event, or a weekend fun run are all forms of racing where people compete over a set course.