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.

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bout British  

/ baʊt /

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of bout

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

Example Sentences

Shoppers have relied on messaging apps to track grocery supplies across the city as crises in recent years have sparked bouts of panic buying.

From The Wall Street Journal

But between these quarterly bouts of domestic competence lies a slack, unromantic middle ground—weeknights when my freezer reserves have dwindled and my patience along with them.

From Salon

Saudi Arabia powerbroker Turki Alalshikh had reportedly planned for Fury and long-time rival Anthony Joshua to take separate bouts in the Kingdom early in 2026 before finally meeting later in the year.

From BBC

The American challenger, who accepted the bout on just 15 days' notice, caused swelling under Serrano's right eye with an overhand left in the fifth.

From BBC

Crawford, who had won titles in four weight classes before moving up to face Álvarez, took all four 168-pound titles on the line in the bout, becoming the undisputed champion at a third level.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• battle
• boxing match
• competition
• contest
• encounter
• match
• round
• struggle