Word
steeplechase
Phoneticssteeple·chase
US/ˈstipəɫˌtʃeɪs/
UK/stˈiːplɪtʃˌeɪs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a long race for horses or runners with jumps over fences, water, and other obstacles. You see it at horse tracks and at big running events.
n. a race in which horses or runners cross a course set with obstacles such as fences, ditches, and water jumps. The athletics version typically covers 3000 metres.
Examples
“He runs the steeplechase for his school team.”
“The horse cleared the final fence to win the steeplechase by two lengths in front of a cheering crowd.”
“Originally run across open country from one church steeple to the next, the steeplechase still tests stamina and timing as competitors judge each leap over water and timber.”
Examples
simple
“He runs the steeplechase for his school team.”
contextual
“The horse cleared the final fence to win the steeplechase by two lengths in front of a cheering crowd.”
complex
“Originally run across open country from one church steeple to the next, the steeplechase still tests stamina and timing as competitors judge each leap over water and timber.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “steeplechase” in context.
Verb
01. compete in steeplechase
“Fifteen athletes will compete in the steeplechase tomorrow evening.”
verb + prep + noun
02. dominate steeplechase
“East African runners have dominated the steeplechase for decades.”
verb + noun
03. enter steeplechase
“He decided to enter the steeplechase after improving his hurdling.”
verb + noun
04. qualify for steeplechase
“She clocked a personal best to qualify for the steeplechase.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
05. 3000-metre steeplechase
“He trains twice a day for the 3000-metre steeplechase.”
adj + noun
06. competitive steeplechase
“Fans expect a highly competitive steeplechase at the championships.”
adj + noun
07. gruelling steeplechase
“The gruelling steeplechase left every runner exhausted at the finish.”
adj + noun
08. olympic steeplechase
“She finished fourth in the Olympic steeplechase in Paris.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. favourite for steeplechase
“The world champion is the clear favourite for the steeplechase.”
noun + prep + noun
10. final of steeplechase
“The final of the steeplechase takes place on the last day.”
noun + prep + noun
11. break the steeplechase record
“She broke the steeplechase record by almost three seconds.”
12. compete in the 3000m steeplechase
“Twelve runners will compete in the 3000m steeplechase tonight.”
Real-World Examples
“Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali, the reigning champion in the 3000m steeplechase, demonstrated his exceptional talent by becoming the first athlete to successfully defend an Olympic title in this event since 1936.” “In a gripping finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Uganda's Peruth Chemutai was unable to retain her title in the 3000m steeplechase, falling to Bahrain's Winfred Yavi in a thrilling sprint.” “The Grand National is billed as the "ultimate test of horse and jockey" by its organisers, as well as the world's most famous steeplechase.” Etymology
Compound of steeple + chase, from horse races in 18th century Ireland in which orientation of the course was by reference to a church steeple.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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