# jockeys

/ˈdʒɑkiz/ (US) · /dʒˈɒkɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jockeys
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

athletes who ride horses in races. They are usually very small and light so they can move quickly on the horse.

For teachers: athletes who ride horses in competitive races. Often used in the plural to refer to the profession or the group of riders in a specific event.

## Examples

- The jockeys mount their horses just before the race starts.
- Professional jockeys must maintain a very low weight to ensure their horses can run at their fastest speed.
- The sport of horse racing relies heavily on the skill of the jockeys, whose ability to balance and steer the animal can often determine the outcome of a closely contested finish.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.