duel

American  

[doo-uhl, dyoo-] / ˈdu əl, ˈdyu- /

noun

1. a prearranged combat between two persons, fought with deadly weapons according to an accepted code of procedure, especially to settle a private quarrel.

2. any contest between two persons or parties.

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verb (used with or without object)

dueled, dueling, duelled, duelling

1. to fight in a duel.

duel British  

/ ˈdjuːəl /

noun

1. a prearranged combat with deadly weapons between two people following a formal procedure in the presence of seconds and traditionally fought until one party was wounded or killed, usually to settle a quarrel involving a point of honour

2. a contest or conflict between two persons or parties

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verb

1. to fight in a duel

2. to contest closely

Other Word Forms

• duelistic adjective
• dueller noun
• outduel verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of duel

1585–95; earlier duell < Medieval Latin duellum, Latin: earlier form of bellum war, probably maintained and given sense “duel” by association with Latin duo two

Example Sentences

"One Battle" already won a duel with "Sinners" at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, taking home the prizes for best picture and best director.

From Barron's

In Detroit, Cade Cunningham scored 29 points and handed out 13 assists to propel the Pistons to a 121-90 victory over the Knicks in a duel of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.

From Barron's

Philip Jefferson offered a case study in the central bank’s predicament Monday, acknowledging the risk of stubborn inflation and weaker employment conditions—dueling threats that call for opposing prescriptions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Arne Slot says the first half of Liverpool's season has been a "constant battle", admitting the Premier League title race appears to be a duel between Arsenal and Manchester City.

From Barron's

He has won the most aerial duels at Villa with 31 and the most ground duels with 69.

From BBC

Related Words

• bout
• shootout