pugilist
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pugilist
First recorded in 1780–90; from Latin pugil ( see pugilism) + -ist
Explanation
Pugilist is a fancy word for boxer, one who indulges in the noble art of pugilism, or fighting with one's fists. Be warned when people use the term pugilist or you see it in the paper. Nowadays such a term is often sarcastic in tone and critical of boxing's claims for legitimacy, often suggesting it's essentially savagery masquerading as sport. If you hear "the term "fighter" you can be more certain it's used with approval, or at least without prejudice.
Vocabulary lists containing pugilist
100 SAT words Beginning with "P"
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"Winter Dreams," Vocabulary from the short story
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Becoming Muhammad Ali
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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.
Sweat, Blood and Philosophy to the Rhythms of the Sweet Science Published: October 21, 2010 Pugilists and philosophers of all kinds converge in Frederick Wiseman’s mesmerizing documentary “Boxing Gym.”
From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2010
Pierce, who handled a pen much as he might have handled a quarter-staff, had already won fame as a sporting reporter, and as the author of Boxiana, or Sketches of Modern Pugilists, published in 1818.
From Old Coloured Books by Paston, George
Pugilists came from a distance to try their skill with the noted Indian fighter and athlete, who weighed over two hundred pounds, and yet had not an extra ounce of flesh.
From Hero Stories from American History For Elementary Schools by Blaisdell, Albert F.
Pugilists, naked to the waists, held their clinched fists in menacing attitudes.
From Revenge! by Barr, Robert
Pugilists go through much training in preparation for the actual contest.
From How to Live a Holy Life by Orr, Charles Ebert
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.
