noun
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a period of time spent doing something, such as drinking
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a period of illness
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a contest or fight, esp a boxing or wrestling match
Etymology
Origin of bout
1535–45; variant of obsolete bought bend, turn, derivative of bow bow 1; bight
Explanation
A bout is a fight. If you want to be a boxer, start with some easy bouts before challenging the champ. A bout is a period of time in which something intense happens, like fighting, binging, or being sick, and comes from the word for bending, or going round in a circle. We usually use it these days for something you wouldn't want to go on for too long of a time. If the full moon makes you crazy, you might suffer a bout of madness.
Vocabulary lists containing bout
100 SAT Words Beginning with "B"
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Bud, Not Buddy
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The Diary of a Young Girl
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But there is nothing amusing about a sudden bout of vertigo and dizziness.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
There are also more-complex or serious balance disorders that can produce a prolonged, often intense bout of vertigo followed by lingering imbalance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
Whoever wins, a bout against the exciting WBO number one contender could be next...
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could fight at Croke Park in September, with talks under way to stage the long-awaited heavyweight bout in Dublin.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Bonnie wasn't much of a shopper, but after a pronounced bout of whining, she decided she wouldn't mind adding to her lifelong angel collection.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
