dressage

noun

dres·​sage drə-ˈsäzh 

dre-

often attributive

: the execution by a trained horse of precision movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider

Did you know?

This is a sport involving the execution of precise movements by a trained horse in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider. The word dressage means “training” in French. Particularly important are the animal’s pace and bearing in performing walks, trots, canters, and more specialized maneuvers. Training is divided into the elementary campagne and the advanced haute école. Dressage competitions have been included in the Olympic Games since 1912. Riders compete as individuals and in teams.

Examples of dressage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Decked out for dressage and escargot with his pal Martha Stewart. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024

The pair took in the grace and fancy footwork of dressage as English rider Becky Moody wowed spectators with her performance atop horse Jagerbomb. —NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024

While Snoop Dogg was taking swimming lessons with Michael Phelps and learning the finer points of dressage with Martha Stewart, fellow hip-hop icon Flavor Flav was also zooming all around Paris checking out as many Olympic competitions as possible. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Aug. 2024

The sports range from women's 100m breaststroke and pairs rowing to equestrian dressage and golf. —John Frank, Axios, 21 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from dresser to train, drill, from Middle French

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above