Definition

A sport where athletes run and jump over obstacles called hurdles.

Example

She won a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the Olympics.

Conversation

I watched the hurdling event yesterday, and it was so thrilling!

Really? I've always found it exciting to see how fast they go.

Yeah, and those athletes make it look effortless when they jump over the hurdles.

I know! I could never do hurdling — it looks so challenging.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The action of jumping over obstacles, usually in a race or sport.

Example

She is hurdling over the barriers in the track event.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how fast he was hurdling at the track meet?

Yeah, it was impressive! He really knows how to clear those hurdles.

I wonder if I could ever learn to hurdle like that.

Root Explanation

Hurdling → It is formed from "hurdle" (from Old English "hyrdel", meaning a barrier or obstacle) and "-ing" (a suffix used to indicate the action or process of). The word "hurdling" refers to the action of jumping over barriers or obstacles.

Memory Tip

Think of jumping over a "hurdle" (an obstacle) — the "-ing" shows that it's the action of doing so. This helps you remember that "hurdling" means the act of jumping over obstacles.

Visually Confused Words