Race \Race\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Raced}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Racing}.] 1. To run swiftly; to contend in a race; as, the animals raced over the ground; the ships raced from port to port. 2. (Steam Mach.) To run too fast at times, as a marine engine or screw, when the screw is lifted out of water by the action of a heavy sea.