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

Dygert pulled away from Coryn Labecki, who won the criterium title earlier in the weekend, on the final turns leading to the finish on Gay Street.

From Washington Times • Jun. 25, 2023

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

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

In 2005 I rode the Giro; after that it was the national criterium championships at Otley, where I led him out and he won it.

From The Guardian • Nov. 7, 2012

Pour juger ce qui est bon et juste dans la vie actuelle ou passe il faut posseder un criterium, qui ne soit pas tire du passe ou du present, mais de la nature humaine.—AHRENS.

From Lectures on Modern history by Acton, John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, Baron