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

Verhoeven, in just his second professional boxing fight, was the clear aggressor for long spells, stunning generational great Usyk in a way nobody expected.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

"I am super proud of my performance, and hopefully the boxing world embraces me as a boxer. I am amazingly happy to be here," Verhoeven said.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

BBC Sport asks the boxing world for their predictions.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

"Get back to your boxing, you're getting too greedy, trying to land and getting caught," Verhoeven's trainer Peter Fury warned his man.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

I had Dad’s height and Granddad’s chin, and boxing was supposed to run in my veins.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia