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Relay

UK //rɪˈleɪ// US //rɪˈleɪ// Pronunciation

Definition

A race with teams taking turns running, or the act of passing information.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A race where teams take turns running, or passing something.

Examples

• The relay team won the competition.
• She will relay the message to him later.
• In the relay race, each runner needs to be quick.
• He was chosen to relay instructions to the students.
• The relay baton was dropped during the race.
• We need to relay our findings to the team quickly.

Usage notes

Common in sports contexts; can also refer to passing information. Suitable for all audiences.

Grammar pattern

relay + object

Memory hint

Imagine a group of runners passing a baton in a race.

Collocations

• relay race
• relay information
• relay team
• relay baton
• relay station

Synonyms

• relay race
• pass
• transmit
• hand off
• share

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'release' which has a different meaning.
• Using 'relay' as a noun and forgetting it's also a verb.