gymkhana

[ jim-kah-nuh ]

noun

1. a field day held for equestrians, consisting of exhibitions of horsemanship and much pageantry.
2. Also called autocross. a competition in which sports cars are timed as they travel on a closed, twisting course that requires much maneuvering.
3. any of various other sporting events, as a gymnastics exhibition or surfing contest.
4. a place where any such event is held.

gymkhana

/ dʒɪmˈkɑːnə /

noun

1. an event in which horses and riders display skill and aptitude in various races and contests
2. (esp in Anglo-India) a place providing sporting and athletic facilities

Word History and Origins

Origin of gymkhana¹

1860–65; < Hindi gē̃dkhānā literally, ball-house (influenced by gymnastics )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gymkhana¹

C19: from Hindi gend-khānā, literally: ball house, from khāna house; influenced by gymnasium

Example Sentences

At half-past nine they and their royal suite drove out to the fête grounds, adjoining the Bombay Gymkhana building.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of those barriers were quite tricky affairs to drive through in a big ambulance, and reminded me of a gymkhana!

From Project Gutenberg

Apparently, the European population in Rangoon exists solely in order to go to the Gymkhana.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course the most important element of life in Rangoon, in fact in all Burmah, is the Gymkhana.

From Project Gutenberg

Howard had arranged all sorts of gymkhana sports, for which prizes were to be given.

From Project Gutenberg