repechage

[ rep-uh-shahzh ]

noun

1. (in cycling and rowing) a last-chance qualifying heat in which the runners-up in earlier heats race each other, with the winner advancing to the finals.

repechage

/ ˌrɛpɪˈʃɑːʒ /

noun

1. a heat of a competition, esp in rowing or fencing, in which eliminated contestants have another chance to qualify for the next round or the final

Word History and Origins

Origin of repechage¹

1925–30; < French repêchage second chance, equivalent to repêch ( er ) to fish up again ( re- re- + pêcher to fish; Middle French, Old French pescher < Vulgar Latin *piscāre, Latin piscārī, derivative of piscis fish ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of repechage¹

C19: from French repêchage literally: fishing out again, from re- + pêcher to fish + -age

Example Sentences

However, Osipova progressed to the final, meaning McGowan was able to go into the repechage and fight for a chance at bronze.

From BBC

However, Osipova went on to reach the final, meaning McGowan will contest the repechage - a fight which decides who will advance to the bronze medal matches.

From BBC

Sinden will face a winner of the taekwondo repechage bouts for the chance to add bronze to his Olympic silver from three years ago.

From BBC

Jones could still enter the repechage for bronze if Reljikj reaches the final.

From BBC

George Mills missed out in his heat, but could still progress through the newly introduced repechage.

From BBC