regatta

[ ri-gat-uh, -gah-tuh ]

noun

1. a boat race, as of rowboats, yachts, or other vessels.
2. an organized series of such races.
3. (originally) a gondola race in Venice.
4. a strong, striped cotton fabric that is of twill weave.

regatta

/ rɪˈɡætə /

noun

1. an organized series of races of yachts, rowing boats, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of regatta¹

1645–55; < Upper Italian ( Venetian ) regatta, regata, perhaps ≪ Vulgar Latin *recaptāre to contend, equivalent to *re- re- + *captāre to try to seize; catch

Word History and Origins

Origin of regatta¹

C17: from obsolete Italian (Venetian dialect) rigatta contest, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The year 1882 was notable chiefly for the introduction of a new class in the regatta programmes, viz.

From Project Gutenberg

The fourth regatta of the season took place away from the port, and off the new watering-place, Lee-on-Solent.

From Project Gutenberg

This year was remarkable for the entry in the race for first-class yachts on the second day of the regatta.

From Project Gutenberg

In the year of grace 1775 the first rowing regatta that was ever held in England took place upon the Thames—on June 23.

From Project Gutenberg

Largs Regatta in 1892 will long be remembered; it was no flat racing, but real steeplechasing in the Clyde.

From Project Gutenberg