dressage

noun

dres·​sage drə-ˈsäzh 

dre-

often attributive

: the execution by a trained horse of precision movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider

Did you know?

This is a sport involving the execution of precise movements by a trained horse in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider. The word dressage means “training” in French. Particularly important are the animal’s pace and bearing in performing walks, trots, canters, and more specialized maneuvers. Training is divided into the elementary campagne and the advanced haute école. Dressage competitions have been included in the Olympic Games since 1912. Riders compete as individuals and in teams.

Examples of dressage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite those the unruly lines, the paintings evoke the discipline and majesty of the horse, the intensity of dressage, and equine parades and pageantry. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025

While Endel Ots, a U.S. dressage rider, has everything on his own checklist secure, his transatlantic flight is different than other Olympians. —Lukas Weese, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024

Last November, a Danish investigation exposed abusive practices at the barn of the Danish dressage rider Andreas Helgstrand, who is reportedly a multi-millionaire from his transatlantic horse-dealing business. —airmail.news, 3 Aug. 2024

Hobbyhorse competitions feature young enthusiasts trotting, galloping, and cantering on toy horses in various disciplines, such as jumping and dressage. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from dresser to train, drill, from Middle French

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dressage

• barrage
• collage
• corsage
• garage
• massage
• mirage
• montage
• swaraj
• arbitrage
• camouflage
• entourage
• sabotage