Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

repechage

noun

/ˌrɛpəˈʃɑːʒ/

Definition

A system that allows competitors who did not initially qualify for the next round of a tournament to have a chance to compete again.

Examples

In the rowing finals, she managed to qualify through the repechage after her initial heat did not go as planned.
The wrestling tournament featured a repechage format, allowing athletes a second chance to compete for bronze medals.

Meaning

Repechage is often used in sports, especially in events like rowing or wrestling, where participants who lose in the early rounds can still have an opportunity to win a medal or advance after entering a secondary competition.