a person who fights as a sport, usually with gloved fists, according to set rules; prize-fighter; pugilist.
one of a German breed of medium-sized, stocky, short-haired, pug-faced dogs having a brindled or tan coat with white markings.
a person or thing that packs items into boxes.
boxers. boxer shorts.
a person who boxes, either professionally or as a hobby; pugilist
a medium-sized smooth-haired breed of dog with a short nose and a docked tail
First recorded in 1735–45; box 2 + -er 1
First recorded in 1895–1900; translation of Chinese yìhé juǎn “Righteous Harmony Fist,” name of the militant policy of the yìhé tuán “Righteous Harmony Group”
Someone taking part in a sport in which two people punch each other with big padded gloves is a boxer. If you want to be a boxer, you'll need to build your arm strength and practice fast-moving footwork. If you spend time training at a boxing gym, sparring in the ring with partners who dance around throwing jabs in your direction, you can call yourself a boxer. If your job involves putting things into cardboard boxes, you're another kind of boxer. A third meaning of this word is a smooth-coated, serious-faced breed of dog that's named for its habit of standing up and "boxing" with its paws when it plays with other dogs.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is also a guaranteed podium position for boxer Connor Williams after he reached the semi-finals.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
The reigning 57kg world champion boxer Jaismine Lamboria from India throws punches for a living, but when it comes to handling pressure, she looks to one of her country's most celebrated cricketing legends for inspiration.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
In his preface, Mr. Laqueur tells us that although his mother always had a dog, it wasn’t until his early 40s that he himself loved one—the female boxer Curious.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
Mexican boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez interpreted the scene as the Argentine captain deliberately kicking the jersey and accused him of disrespecting Mexico — an allegation that Messi denied.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026
Walking home from school, I pretended to be Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber, the greatest boxer who ever lived and the only black boxer headed to the heavyweight championship.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
Boxer Tyson Fury says modern-day sports stars think they are "bigger than they actually are" after choosing to fight in front of just 1,500 fans in Thailand instead of pursuing a more lucrative event elsewhere.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
Boxer Anthony Joshua is placed at eighth with a fortune of £240 million, one place above his heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, who is ninth on £162 million.
From Barron's ● May 15, 2026
Boxer Jake Paul founded a line of shower and deodorant products called W in 2024, taking on big legacy brands.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 27, 2025
They’re called inside by bells, attached to cords running out the windows, labeled the Maid, the Ballerina, the Boxer, the Doctor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 27, 2025
There lay Boxer, between the shafts of the cart, his neck stretched out, unable even to raise his head.
From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell
Closer to home, she credits senior Indian boxers Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain and Pooja Rani, not just for their medals but for the encouragement they offer younger athletes.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
The 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt, regularly invited professional boxers, military aides and guests to the executive mansion to spar, at least until he suffered a detached retina.
From Salon ● Jun. 19, 2026
He represents some of the world’s top boxers through Mayweather Promotions and owns roughly 75 gyms around the country along with real estate holdings.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026
You can also wear the Whoop sensor in the company’s specially designed boxers, bras and other apparel.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026
I cradled the phone in the crook of my neck while pulling on boxers and then shorts.
From "Paper Towns" by John Green
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
