staffetta

relay race

noun stahf-FET-tah Rare

Origin: From staffa (stirrup), originally a rider changing horses

Also means

courier

Usage Note

Staffetta primarily refers to a relay race in athletics (la staffetta 4x100), but historically it meant a courier or dispatch rider who would relay messages by changing horses at stations. The sporting meaning is dominant in modern Italian. It is feminine and pluralises regularly: le staffette.

Examples

"La squadra italiana ha vinto la staffetta 4x100."

Natural Translation

The Italian team won the 4x100 relay.

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