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

Headlining on TikTok feels natural for a champion who has seized every non-traditional stage to push women's boxing into the spotlight.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

Liam Lawson, subbing at Red Bull for Isack Hadjar after the Frenchman broke his wrist boxing, was 11th.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

A 33rd stoppage triumph, in what would be Serrano's 50th professional victory, would give her the most knockout wins in women's boxing history, eclipsing pioneer Christy Martin.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

In 2013, she became engaged to Ukrainian world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko; in December 2014, she gave birth to their daughter, Kaya.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026

“Well, I ain’t stopping your boxing lessons. I just don’t care to watch.”

From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson