sack race

noun

1. a race in which each contestant jumps ahead while their legs are confined together in a sack.

sack race

noun

1. a race in which the competitors' legs and often bodies are enclosed in sacks

Derived Forms

• sack racing, noun

Other Words From

• sack racer noun
• sack racing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sack race¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

“You basically had the park to yourself. You could go swimming in the lake. I remember blowing off a few firecrackers over in the woods. We had sack races and egg-throws.”

From Seattle Times

A group of naturalists who formed the Megatherium Club competed in sack races in the Castle’s hallways.

From Washington Post

It’s not worth it, because literature, as Jim Harrison often said, is not a sack race.

From New York Times

But, from a sack race in a pillow case to toilet roll jumping, children and teachers have been adapting sports day traditions to celebrate what would for many be the highlight of the school calendar.

From BBC

I'm told it's not as glamorous as it sounds, but in terms of fun for the entire family, I'm fairly confident that it beats the sack race at the annual IBM picnic.

From Literature