racecourse

racecourse — noun

1. A place with a track and buildings where horse races are held. The track is usua

1.nounB1
Definition

A place with a track and buildings where horse races are held. The track is usually oval and covered with grass or dirt.

Example

Iris took her young son to the racecourse to watch the horses train.

The racecourse near Talia's house has a restaurant and a children's playground.

racecourse + has + facilities (restaurant/playground)

Common collocations
  • at the racecourse
  • on the racecourse
  • racecourse grandstand
  • racecourse manager
  • the local racecourse
Synonyms
  • racetrack

    More common in American English; can refer to horse racing, car racing, or dog racing venues

  • track

    Shorter and more general; can also mean an athletics track or railway track

  • course

    Generic term for a path or route; used in golf (golf course) but rarely alone for horse racing

Grammar Patterns

a/the racecourse

[possessive] + racecourse

at the racecourse

Usage Note

Primarily British usage; in American English, 'racetrack' is more common for horse racing venues. 'Racecourse' can refer to either the track alone or the entire venue including buildings, stables, and seating areas.

Common Mistakes

We drove to the racecourse to watch the car race.
We drove to the racetrack to watch the car race.
'racecourse' is used specifically for horse racing; 'racetrack' is the broader term for any racing venue.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Racecourse is the standard term in British English for a venue where horses race, including both the track and the surrounding buildings. Racetrack is more common in American English and is broader in scope — it can refer to venues for cars, horses, or dogs. Track is the shortest and most general term; it can mean an athletics track, a racing track, or even a railway track, so listeners need contextual clues to know which type is meant. Hippodrome is a formal or historical word for horse or chariot racing venues, rarely used in everyday conversation today. For example, a British speaker might say 'We spent the afternoon at the racecourse,' while an American speaker would more likely say 'We spent the afternoon at the racetrack.'

racecourse ↗racetracktrack ↗hippodrome

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • go to the racecourse
  • build a racecourse
  • at the local racecourse

Prepositions

Etymology

Old NorseLatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'racecourse' is formed by combining two English words: 'race' (from Old Norse 'rás,' meaning 'a running') and 'course' (from Latin 'cursus' via Old French 'cours,' meaning 'a path or route'). It has been used in English since the 1600s to describe a track where running races — especially horse races — are held.