domestique

American  

[doh-mes-teek] / ˌdoʊ mɛsˈtik /

noun

1. Cycling. a member of a bicycle-racing team who assists the leader, as by setting a pace, preventing breakaways by other teams, or supplying food during a race.

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Etymology

Origin of domestique

1980–85; < French: literally, domestic

Example Sentences

Saturday's race came down to a front group of 12 and Wollaston, who had two FDJ-United Suez teammates in support, including Dutch domestique Amber Kraak, timed her finishing sprint to perfection.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

The role of a domestique is to ride in service of others: to deliver the stars to the finish line in the best condition and position to sparkle.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2024

The duo was later joined by Vingegaard domestique Sepp Kuss, who positioned himself at the front to guide his leader.

From Washington Times • Jul. 21, 2022

Just as Froome and Wiggins gave Sky a two-man threat last year, Froome’s top domestique this year, Richie Porte, is a podium contender.

From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2013

Ce résultat n'aurait rien de paradoxal, si l'alpaca n'était, comme l'ont pensé plusieurs auteurs, qu'une race domestique et três modifiée de la vigogne.

From The Moral and Intellectual Diversity of Races With Particular Reference to Their Respective Influence in the Civil and Political History of Mankind by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)