# racing

/ˈɹeɪsɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪsɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/racing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. moving very fast

verb · CEFR B1

moving at a very high speed or competing against others.

For teachers: the present participle of 'race', indicating rapid motion or the act of engaging in a speed competition.

- I could feel my heart racing after I finished the long run.
- The two cyclists were racing toward the finish line, neither one willing to yield even an inch of ground in the final sprint.

### 3. thinking quickly

verb · CEFR B2

when your mind is full of many fast thoughts, often because you are excited or worried.

For teachers: the state of one's thoughts moving uncontrollably or rapidly, typically due to anxiety, adrenaline, or intense excitement.

- Her mind was racing with all the things she had to do before the trip.
- Despite the calm exterior he maintained during the interview, his mind was racing as he tried to anticipate the panel's next technical question.

## Examples

- Horse racing is a very popular sport in many countries.
- The city closes several main streets every summer to host professional bicycle racing.
- Advancements in automotive engineering are frequently driven by the high-stakes environment of professional racing, where marginal gains in aerodynamics can determine the season's victor.

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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.