boxer

¹

[ bok-ser ]

noun

1. a person who fights as a sport, usually with gloved fists, according to set rules; prize-fighter; pugilist.
2. one of a German breed of medium-sized, stocky, short-haired, pug-faced dogs having a brindled or tan coat with white markings.
3. a person or thing that packs items into boxes. box.
4. boxers. boxer shorts.

Boxer

²

[ bok-ser ]

noun

1. a member of a Chinese secret society that carried on an unsuccessful uprising, 1898–1900 BoxerRebellion, principally against foreigners, culminating in a siege of foreign legations in Peking (now Beijing) that was put down by an international expeditionary force.

Boxer

¹

/ ˈbɒksə /

noun

1. 1. a member of a nationalistic Chinese secret society that led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1900 against foreign interests in China
   2. ( as modifier )

      the Boxer Rebellion

boxer

²

/ ˈbɒksə /

noun

1. a person who boxes, either professionally or as a hobby; pugilist
2. a medium-sized smooth-haired breed of dog with a short nose and a docked tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of boxer¹

First recorded in 1735–45; box ² + -er ¹

Origin of boxer²

First recorded in 1895–1900; translation of Chinese yìhé juǎn “Righteous Harmony Fist,” name of the militant policy of the yìhé tuán “Righteous Harmony Group”

Word History and Origins

Origin of boxer¹

C18: rough translation of Chinese I Ho Ch'üan , literally: virtuous harmonious fist, altered from I Ho T'uan virtuous harmonious society

Example Sentences

We plodded around the house, yawning and stretching and tugging at our boxers.

From Time

In it, we see the slim frame of Adam Perkins, wearing nothing but boxers and a wide-eyed expression, walking into the bathroom.

From Washington Post

USA Boxing started using a ballroom at a local hotel but also has traveled around, even sending some boxers overseas.

From Washington Post

We’re like a punch drunk boxer, getting up just as our opponent is preparing to deliver an even faster punch … By reopening we’re leaning into that left hook.

From Washington Post

What happened after a boxer, a revolutionary, a singer and a football star met in a 1960s hotel room

From Washington Post

On Thursday, Garcetti ruled himself out of the race to succeed Boxer.

From The Daily Beast

But on Thursday Boxer triggered a Golden State political earthquake, announcing that she would not seek a fifth term in 2016.

From The Daily Beast

After Olympic boxer Guillermo Rigondeux defected, his family suffered a form of domestic exile.

From The Daily Beast

Later members who joined like Boxer Enriquez have been called the Pepsi Generation.

From The Daily Beast

You two would look like Hayden Panettiere and that huge boxer.

From The Daily Beast

Nasablay sa ring ang buksidur dihang nagrúgi siya, The boxer leaned on the ropes when he became groggy.

From Project Gutenberg

In the gym, Siebold also shone as a good boxer, fencer and wrestler.

From Project Gutenberg

He delighted to frequent the lowest haunts, and there learnt that mastery of slang and that skill as a boxer which were his pride.

From Project Gutenberg

Tom Robson put himself in position like an English boxer, drunk as he was, and squared his arms and elbows for the fray.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Boxer rose in great dismay, gently re-closed the bureau, and ran down-stairs for the broth.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fighter
• prizefighter