dead heat
Plural
dead heats
1
a race in which two or more competitors finish at the exact same time
A dead heat is a situation in sports where two or more competitors finish at exactly the same time or with the same score, making it impossible to determine a clear winner. This often happens in races or timed events, and the result is recorded as a tie. In the case of a dead heat, both or all competitors are typically awarded the same position, such as first place or second place, depending on the event rules. It is a rare but exciting outcome, showing that the competitors were evenly matched.
- The race ended in a dead heat, with both runners crossing the finish line at the same time.
- The two teams were so evenly matched that they finished in a dead heat.
- The final score was a dead heat, leaving the judges to decide the winner based on other factors.
- The championship game ended in a dead heat, and both teams were awarded the title.
- The contest was a dead heat, and no one could believe how close it had been.