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

Example Sentences

He has spoken openly about his decision to walk away from boxing in a bid to help other young people, particularly men, pursue fulfilment as opposed to money.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

“Right now, we’re seeing these competitions like robot boxing and robot olympics, and we’re watching them stumble over and crash into things,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Orie worked for years to become part of Team GB and secure a regular income from boxing.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

World championship boxing returned to the historic Kensington venue for the first time in decades.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

And then I’m in the dream again, just outside the ropes of a boxing ring, and on the canvas, in the haze and lights, my grandfather faces off against a hollowgast.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs