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; see 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.
Gelfond recently returned to work part time after taking medical leave due to a serious bout of pneumonia.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
With Carano 17 years removed from the sport, critics questioned how competitive the bout would be and - although their scepticism was justified on the 44-year-old's part - Rousey rose to the occasion.
From BBC • May 17, 2026
The bout was scheduled for five rounds in the featherweight division.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
In the build-up to the event, Rousey said she wanted to "rewrite her ending in the sport" - and could not have imagined a better final bout than one against her "hero".
From BBC • May 17, 2026
You ain’t said pea-turkey to me bout it—you or yore daddy, either one.
From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns
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.
