# pacer

/ˈpeɪsɝ/ (US) · /pˈeɪsɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pacer
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a person who walks or runs at a steady speed to help others keep a certain pace. In sports, they are often used to help runners finish a race at their best time.

For teachers: a person who maintains a steady speed or rate, typically to assist others in maintaining a specific pace. In legal contexts, it refers to a person who sets a standard rate of progress for a group or process.

## Examples

- The marathon runner hired a pacer to help him finish in record time.
- During the long-distance race, the pacer stayed exactly one lap ahead to ensure the lead runner maintained a consistent speed.
- The legal team appointed a senior associate as a pacer to ensure the discovery process remained on schedule without overwhelming the junior staff with an unrealistic workload.

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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.