relay

Everyday

1. A relay or relay race is a race between teams in which each runner or swimmer does one part and then passes on to the next, often by handing over a baton. tree →
2. (verb) To relay a message is to pass it on to someone else. tree →
3. A device that passes on signals, or a switch in an electric circuit. tree →

In the lessons

Used in PE and sports day: the relay race and passing the baton. In everyday life: "Please relay this message to your parents." In science: a relay switch. Phrase: "in relays" means in turns, groups taking over from each other.

Examples

• Our class won the relay race. tree →
• Don't drop the baton in the relay! tree →
• Please relay the message to your teacher. tree →
• The swimmers did a four-person relay. tree →
• The firefighters worked in relays all night. tree →
• The satellite relays TV signals around the world. tree →
• I ran the last leg of the relay. tree →

Note

Stress usually "REE-lay". Past: relayed. Each runner's part is called a "leg".