stakes race

noun

: a horse race in which the prize offered is made up at least in part of money (such as entry fees) put up by the owners of the horses entered

called also stake race

Examples of stakes race in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
California voters will face a number of high-stakes races this November, including choosing a governor and helping decide control of Congress. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026 The world’s best Thoroughbreds will return to compete at the seaside oval in a season featuring 37 stakes races, an enhanced trackside event lineup, refreshed food and beverage experiences and more, according to a news release. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 As shifting allegiances and a growing threat set them on a collision course for one another, they’re pulled into a high-stakes race across the stars that could decide the fate of humanity. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026 Earlier in the afternoon, Smith also won the fifth and final of Saturday’s stakes races, the $100,000 Monrovia, with an even larger surprise than the Santa Anita Derby. Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stakes race

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stakes race was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stakes race.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stakes%20race. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster