English Reference
noun

racer

n.
US /ˈɹeɪsɝ/ UK /ɹˈeɪsɐ/ rac·er UK spelling racers

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Sport

    a person who takes part in a race, such as a runner or a driver.

    a person who competes in a contest of speed.

    Simple

    The young racer crossed the finish line just seconds before his rival.

    In context

    Professional racers often undergo rigorous physical training to withstand the extreme G-forces experienced during high-speed cornering.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    a car, bicycle, or animal (like a horse) that is specially bred or built for racing.

    a vehicle or animal designed, bred, or maintained specifically for competitive racing.

    Simple

    He spent all his savings on a sleek new racer for the upcoming cycling season.

    In context

    The team spent months fine-tuning the engine of their primary racer to ensure peak performance during the endurance event.

    racecarthoroughbred
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    a video game where you drive cars or other vehicles to win a race.

    a video game belonging to the racing genre.

    Simple

    My brother spends every weekend playing a futuristic racer on his console.

    In context

    Critics praised the new arcade racer for its realistic physics engine and diverse selection of customizable vehicles.

    racing game
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a fast-moving snake found in North and Central America.

    any of several fast-moving colubrid snakes, especially those of the genus Coluber.

    Simple

    We saw a black racer disappear quickly into the tall grass.

    In context

    The North American racer is known for its impressive speed and agility when navigating through dense underbrush to escape predators.

    black racer

From race + -er. First attested in 1648.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated