Definition

Verb: - To compete in a formal contest of speed between rowing or sailing boats. This involves participating as a crew member or as the individual operating the vessel in such a race.

Usage

The verb "boat-race" is used to describe the action of taking part in a boat race. It is typically used in active sentences. - The university team will boat-race against their rivals this Saturday. - She has trained for years to boat-race at an international level.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a broader, sometimes metaphorical sense to describe any intense, direct competition between two parties, though this is less common.
  • The two sales departments boat-raced for the quarterly award.

Variants and Related Words

• Boat race (noun): The event or contest itself.
  • The annual boat race on the river is a major event.
• Racing (noun/adj): The general sport of competing in races.
• Row (verb): To propel a boat using oars, which is the primary action in many boat races.

Synonyms

• Race: To compete in a contest of speed.
• Compete: To take part in a contest.

Phrasal Verbs

This specific verb form does not commonly combine with particles to form distinct phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

There are no common idioms that use the verb "boat-race" itself. The related noun "boat race" features in some regional idioms. - To be a bit of a boat race (UK, informal, rhyming slang): A phrase where "boat race" rhymes with "face," used to refer to a person's face. This idiom uses the noun form, not the verb. - He's got a cheerful boat race. (Meaning: He has a cheerful face.)

Verb

1. participate in a boat race