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

Pastrana is a racing legend, having bounced among race disciplines including motocross, rally racing and, more recently, gymkhana, which features an obstacle course of sorts and plenty of drifting, spinning and technical work.

From Washington Post

Joan had been a champion horse-jumper at the annual college gymkhana, and I wondered if she had been sleeping in a stable.

From Literature

The National Drone Racing Championships, on the other hand, with its grassland setting and slalom-style gates, looks like a gymkhana for BB8.

From The Guardian

Rodeo is not particularly prominent within the Smith family, but Jacob’s aunt, Kristen, is involved in rodeo through gymkhana.

From Washington Times

On a recent, cloudless evening, almost every gymkhana appeared to be hosting a wedding with a different motif, judging from the elaborately constructed entrances along the road.

From Los Angeles Times