horse-racing
UK[ˈhɔːs ˌreɪsɪŋ]US[ˈhɔːrs ˌreɪsɪŋ]
n
The sport of racing horses, especially thoroughbreds, on a track.
Morpheme Breakdown
horse
racing
horse
animal
racing
competition
Etymology
The compound "horse-racing" is a transparent combination of two English words, each with deep Germanic roots. "Horse" descends from Proto-Germanic hrussą, a term for the domesticated equine animal. "Racing" derives from the Old Norse rás, meaning a running or a race, which entered English and came to signify a contest of speed. The literal combination, "the racing of horses," directly names the sport where horses, typically ridden by jockeys, compete against each other on a designated course. Its logic is purely descriptive, with no metaphorical shift, defining the activity by its primary participant and its competitive action.
Analysis
Structure: horse (animal) + racing (competition)
- horse: From Old English hors, of Germanic origin; the animal.
- racing: From Old Norse rás (running, race) via Middle English; the act of competing in speed.
Examples
Horse-racing is a popular sport with a long history and major events like the Kentucky Derby.
He placed a bet on the favorite in the afternoon's horse-racing.
The economics of horse-racing involve breeding, training, and significant gambling revenue.