outdistance

American

[out-dis-tuhns] / ˌaʊtˈdɪs təns /

verb (used with object)

outdistanced, outdistancing

to leave behind, as in running; outstrip.

The winning horse outdistanced the second-place winner by five lengths.

outdistance British

/ ˌaʊtˈdɪstəns /

verb

(tr) to leave far behind

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outdistance

First recorded in 1855–60; out- + distance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Quarterback Caleb Williams enabled USC to outdistance Cal with his 26-for-41 performance for 360 yards and four TD passes, plus a 38-yard rushing effort that included one TD.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2022

They earned 55 of 63 first-place votes to easily outdistance No. 2 UCLA, which earned the other eight.

From Fox News • Oct. 18, 2021

If it is right, it will increase its workers’ loyalty and outdistance earthbound competitors.

From New York Times • Jul. 23, 2021

Cox got about a quarter of the votes counted so far in Tuesday’s election to easily outdistance former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for second to Newsom, who won by a comfortable margin.

From Washington Times • Jun. 6, 2018

Adela was twenty, and so far did she outdistance the world that it seemed certain she would be the most beautiful for many, many years.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023