arm wrestling

American  

Or arm-wrestling

noun

1. a form of wrestling in which two opponents, usually facing each other across a table, rest their right or left elbows on the table and, placing their corresponding forearms upward and parallel, grip each other's hand, the object being to force the opponent's hand down so that it touches the table.

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arm wrestling British  

noun

1. a contest in which two people sit facing each other each with one elbow resting on a table, clasp hands, and each tries to force the other's arm flat onto the table while keeping his own elbow touching the table

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Example Sentences

Each of those areas is packed with side quests and activities, ranging from fishing and arm wrestling to taming animals.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Lira, however, denied there was "constant confrontation" with the president: "There is no arm wrestling between Lula and Lira ... but Congress is conservative and some topics are difficult to pass," he said.

From Reuters • Jun. 5, 2023

His many previous P.A. assignments included announcing Jack Russell terrier racing, billiards, arm wrestling and Arena League football.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2022

“Once you’re arm wrestling a person for a cake in front of a child, things have gone off course very demonstrably.”

From Slate • Aug. 6, 2020

Two sets of jocks were arm wrestling at the kitchen table.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz