pugilism
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pugilism
1785–95; < Latin pugil boxer (akin to pugnus fist, pugnāre to fight; compare Greek pýx with the fist, pygmḗ boxing) + -ism
Explanation
Pugilism is another name for the sport of boxing. If you're a fan of pugilism, you probably enjoy watching people punch each other while wearing boxing gloves. If you're thinking about taking up a new sport and a friend suggests pugilism, she's talking about boxing. If you take up pugilism, you'll learn the footwork to use in a ring, and how to hold your gloves to protect your body and punch your opponent. Pugilism comes from the Latin word pugil, "boxer or fist fighter," a close relative of pugnus, "fist."
Vocabulary lists containing pugilism
Booked
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"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 31
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Kaffir Boy
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He will quickly need to figure out how to balance pugilism and physicality with playing well enough to stay on the ice for the Stanley Cup-contending Rangers this season — and beyond.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2024
It's the art of pugilism but it's still a fight.
From BBC • Aug. 17, 2022
You can understand why Peterson sees light in the dark world of pugilism.
From Washington Times • May 25, 2022
His demeanor is light-years from the bring-it-on pugilism of Bannon.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2021
I began bombarding the boy with questions concerning pugilism: it seemed so different from the way we fought in the street—it was cleaner.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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.
