criterium

American  

[krahy-teer-ee-uhm] / kraɪˈtɪər i əm /

noun

1. Cycling. Also crit race a single-day bicycle race consisting of several laps around a closed road course, with all contestants starting at the same time.

   Competitive events in cycling include road races, time trials, and criteriums.

2. Rare. criterion.

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Etymology

Origin of criterium

First recorded in 1965–70 criterium for def. 1; 1890–95, in the sense “motorcycle race”; 1620–30 criterium for def. 2; from Latin, from Greek kritḗrion “a standard”; see criterion ( def. )

Example Sentences

An open-top bus parade is also planned in Wales, although Thomas’s next appointment will be a criterium in Belgium on Tuesday evening.

From The Guardian • Jul. 30, 2018

In the women's race, Dutcher star Kirsten Wild beat Lisa Brennauer of Germany and compatriot Marianne Vos at the finish of a 43-mile criterium, while Megan Guarnier held off Kristin Armstrong to win the overall.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2016

The New England Patriots quarterback rode on a half-mile cycling criterium with Chris Harrington, a local man with Down syndrome, and threw footballs to fans at a clambake.

From Washington Times • May 30, 2015

With roots in collegiate criterium racing, Talansky has had a breakout 12 months, finishing seventh in the Vuelta in September and second at Paris-Nice in March.

From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2013

Louis Gallet remarks in his Notes d'un Librettiste, "Son criterium est tout personel."

From Masters of French Music by Hervey, Arthur