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

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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

Peter Farrelly directs a stirring drama about the unlikely origins and creation of the classic boxing movie.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026

Paul, the social media influencer turned professional fighter, said in May his boxing career was "most definitely" in doubt after the injuries he sustained against Joshua.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026

Ippolito’s natural build is more slender than Stallone’s for Rocky, so he started training hard with weights, eating a ton of protein-rich meals and boxing for roughly 18 months before production began.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026

But other events — including boxing and UFC championships and the WWE Crown Jewel event — remain stubbornly on the calendar.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

I finished up the second-floor bathroom I’d been having trouble with, and redecorated the bar with a boxing theme.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

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