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Synonyms

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.

bout British  
/ baʊt /

noun

    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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bout

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

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.

A Joshua-Wilder bout had been scheduled for 2024 but the plans were scuppered when the American suffered a shock loss to Joseph Parker.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Either bout would move Dubois closer to becoming undisputed champion - though it may still not guarantee the level of stardom she has been chasing.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Based on legacy alone, the national title bout is a mismatch.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

An experienced fighter stood a good chance of making it to the next bout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“You can’t mumble bout it. What you scared of?”

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older

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.