English Reference
noun · verb

relay

n. · v.
US /ˈɹiˌɫeɪ/ re·lay UK spelling relayed, relaying, relays

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Sport

    n.a race between teams where each member runs or swims part of the distance.

    n.a race between teams in which each member completes a specified portion of the course before being succeeded by a teammate.

    Simple

    Our team won the four-by-one-hundred-meter relay after a perfect baton pass.

    In context

    The national team set a new world record in the mixed medley relay, largely due to an exceptional final leg by their lead swimmer.

    relay race
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.an electrical device that uses a small current to turn a larger one on or off.

    n.an electromagnetic or electronic switch that allows a low-power signal to control a higher-power circuit.

    Simple

    The clicking sound you hear is the relay turning on the car's headlights.

    In context

    The engineer replaced the faulty mechanical relay with a solid-state version to improve the system's switching speed and reliability.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to receive a message or information and pass it to someone else.

    v.to receive and pass on information, signals, or messages. Transitive — requires an object.

    Simple

    Please relay this message to the manager as soon as she returns.

    In context

    Satellite stations relay television signals across the globe, allowing for near-instantaneous live broadcasts of international events.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    n.a fresh group of people or animals that take over a job from a tired group.

    n.a fresh set of horses or people arranged to relieve others at specific intervals. Historically associated with postal or carriage routes.

    Simple

    The riders changed their tired horses for a fresh relay at the station.

    In context

    The efficiency of the imperial postal system relied on a series of relays positioned every ten miles along the main road.

Usage relay team

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated