Definitions for the word "race" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. t.
To raze.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A root.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
The descendants of a common ancestor; a family, tribe, people, or nation, believed or presumed to belong to the same stock; a lineage; a breed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Company; herd; breed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A variety of such fixed character that it may be propagated by seed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
Peculiar flavor, taste, or strength, as of wine; that quality, or assemblage of qualities, which indicates origin or kind, as in wine; hence, characteristic flavor; smack.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
Hence, characteristic quality or disposition.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A progress; a course; a movement or progression.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
Esp., swift progress; rapid course; a running.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Hence: The act or process of running in competition; a contest of speed in any way, as in running, riding, driving, skating, rowing, sailing; in the plural, usually, a meeting for contests in the running of horses; as, he attended the races.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
Competitive action of any kind, especially when prolonged; hence, career; course of life.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A strong or rapid current of water, or the channel or passage for such a current; a powerful current or heavy sea, sometimes produced by the meeting of two tides; as, the Portland Race; the Race of Alderney.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
The current of water that turns a water wheel, or the channel in which it flows; a mill race.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
A channel or guide along which a shuttle is driven back and forth, as in a loom, sewing machine, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. i.
To run swiftly; to contend in a race; as, the animals raced over the ground; the ships raced from port to port.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. i.
To run too fast at times, as a marine engine or screw, when the screw is lifted out of water by the action of a heavy sea.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. t.
To cause to contend in a race; to drive at high speed; as, to race horses.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. v. t.
To run a race with.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. n.
1 contest of speed between runners, horses, vehicles, ships, etc. 2 (in pl.) Series of these for horses, dogs, etc., at a fixed time on a regular course. 3 contest between persons to be first to achieve something. 4 a strong current in the sea or a river. B channel (mill-race). v. (-cing) 1 take part in a race. 2 have a race with. 3 try to surpass in speed. 4 (foll. By with) compete in speed with. 5 cause to race. 6 a go at full or excessive speed. B cause to do this. 7 (usu. As racing adj.) Follow or take part in horse-racing (a racing man). [old norse]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
20. n.
1 each of the major divisions of humankind, each having distinct physical characteristics. 2 fact or concept of division into races. 3 genus, species, breed, or variety of animals or plants. 4 group of persons, animals, or plants connected by common descent. 5 any great division of living creatures (the human race). [italian razza]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "race" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "race" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "race") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.