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A unit of distance equal to one-eighth of a mile, or 220 yards.
synonyms:distancemeasurement
The word 'furlong' comes from the Old English 'furuh' meaning 'furrow' and 'lang' meaning 'long'. It originally referred to the length of a furrow in a plowed field.
Furlong is primarily used in the context of horse racing and some agricultural discussions, although it is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
While the term is specific and relevant to certain fields, it is not commonly used in daily language for most people.
The horse galloped the final furlong, pushing ahead of its competitors.
In the old days, farmers measured their fields in furlongs rather than acres.
The race was so close that the winner crossed the finish line just a furlong ahead of the runner-up.
The word 'furlong' might seem a bit archaic, but it has a rich history tied to agriculture and horse racing. Originating from the measurement of plowed land, it showcases how language evolves with our activities. While you might not hear it often in casual conversation, the furlong remains a significant term in racing circles, where every yard counts. So next time you watch a race, you'll know just how far a furlong really is!