boxing

¹ American  

[bok-sing] / ˈbɒk sɪŋ /

noun

1. the material used to make boxes or casings.

2. a boxlike enclosure; casing.

3. an act or instance of putting into or furnishing with a box.

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boxing ² American  

[bok-sing] / ˈbɒk sɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, technique, or profession of fighting with the fists, with or without boxing gloves.

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boxing British  

/ ˈbɒksɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the act, art, or profession of fighting with the fists, esp the modern sport practised under Queensberry rules

   2. ( as modifier )

      a boxing enthusiast

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Etymology

Origin of boxing¹

First recorded in 1510–20; box ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of boxing²

First recorded in 1705–15; box ² + -ing ¹

Explanation

Boxing is a sport that involves strategically punching an opponent while defending yourself from their return punches. Some amateurs practice boxing as a way to stay in shape. If you go to a boxing match, you'll see two fighters in a ring surrounded by thick ropes. They wear protective helmets and thick, padded gloves, and their fight is monitored by a referee. Rules of boxing include not hitting below the waist, from behind, or when an opponent is on the ground. The objective, however, is to knock the other person out or hit them so hard that they can't get up within ten seconds.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

boxing

Evans felt a deep rumble as the boxing champion came into view.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

All of it created unnecessary uncertainty around a fight boxing has spent years failing to deliver.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

Walton competed at a high level in gymnastics after following his sister into the sport, but boxing remained his obsession.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

But Walton had "zero interest in acting" as a young child - boxing was his first love.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

The others crowded around me, boxing me in.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros