races

word · lemma: race

/ˈɹeɪsəz/
RAY-suhz
/ɹˈeɪsɪz/
RAY-siz

Definition

Plural of 'race'. It can mean competitions to see who is fastest, or groups of people, animals, or plants with shared physical traits; in modern usage about people, this topic can be sensitive and social rather than biological.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, learners will see 'races' meaning sports competitions: 'car races', 'horse races', 'running races'. The meaning 'human races' is common in older or social discussions but can sound sensitive; avoid using it casually. Also note the verb form: 'She races home' is from the verb 'race', not the plural noun.

Example Sentences

The school has running races every spring.

basic

We watched horse races on TV last night.

basic

The museum teaches about different races of dogs.

basic

There are so many races this weekend that the whole town will be busy.

natural

He spends every summer going to car races with his dad.

natural

The conversation about human races made everyone a little uncomfortable.

natural