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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

hurdle

/ˈhɝd(ə)l/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does hurdle mean?

noun

  1. An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which athletes or horses jump in a race.
  2. (figuratively) An obstacle, real or perceived, physical or abstract.
  3. A movable frame of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes and stakes, or sometimes of iron, used for enclosing land, for folding sheep and cattle, for gates, etc.; also, in fortification, used as revetments, and for other purposes.
More meanings (10)

noun

  1. A piece that is jumped over by a hopper piece.
  2. Misspelling of hurtle.
  3. (historical) A sled or crate on which criminals were drawn to the place of execution.

verb

  1. To jump over something while running.
  2. To compete in the track and field events of hurdles (e.g. high hurdles).
  3. To overcome an obstacle.
  4. To hedge, cover, make, or enclose with hurdles.
  5. To jump over another piece without capturing it.
  6. Misspelling of hurtle.

proper noun

  1. A surname.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈhɝd(ə)l/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

And, on reflection, I agree with him that the American Commonwealth is something of an intellectual hurdle for the average human mind.
Anna Howard Shaw; Elizabeth Garver JordanThe Story of a PioneerProject Gutenberg ebook #354
She was put on a hurdle, and drawn on a sledge to the place of execution, which was very near the gallows.
Victor MacClureShe Stands AccusedProject Gutenberg ebook #488
More book examples (2)
“You wouldn’t be long in breaking your neck at a hurdle race!”
D. H. (David Herbert) LawrenceSons and LoversProject Gutenberg ebook #217
He is gaining fast, and tops the last hurdle leading to the straight just as the hoofs of the other two reach the ground.
James InglisSport and Work on the Nepaul Frontier Twelve Years Sporting Reminiscences of an Indigo PlanterProject Gutenberg ebook #10818