bout

American  

[bout] / baʊt /

noun

1. a contest or trial of strength, as of boxing.

   Synonyms:

   encounter, fray, match

2. period; session; spell.

   a bout of illness.

3. a turn at work or any action.

4. a going and returning across a field, as in mowing or reaping.

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bout British  

/ baʊt /

noun

1. 1. a period of time spent doing something, such as drinking

   2. a period of illness

2. a contest or fight, esp a boxing or wrestling match

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Etymology

Origin of bout

1535–45; variant of obsolete bought bend, turn, derivative of bow bow ¹; bight

Example Sentences

It’s not clear how much money the two fighters made from their latest bout, but Paul appeared to allege the payout was in the nine figures.

From MarketWatch

In late 2022, a central bank surprise in Japan introduced a bout of turbulence—a reminder that low trading volumes is another seasonal factor to consider.

From Barron's

These categories included bouts shorter than 5 minutes, 5 to shorter than 10 minutes, 10 to shorter than 15 minutes, and 15 minutes or longer.

From Science Daily

The Dubois bout suggested Joshua is in decline, the toil of 33 professional fights after an amateur career eroding his powers.

From BBC

It was the result the boxing world had overwhelmingly predicted, and the controversial bout raises questions about the safety risks created by such a vast gulf in experience, size and power.

From BBC

Related Words

• battle
• boxing match
• competition
• contest
• encounter
• match
• round
• struggle