Synonyms

pugilist

American

[pyoo-juh-list] / ˈpyu dʒə lɪst /

noun

a person who fights with the fists; a boxer, usually a professional.

Other Word Forms

pugilistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pugilist

First recorded in 1780–90; from Latin pugil ( pugilism ) + -ist

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.

What consequential life experiences have I missed, taunting my eyeballs, indulging this social media imp turned experimental pugilist as he bumbles around the ring with has-beens and never-weres?

From The Wall Street Journal

He also bested Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, 44, who has made a name for herself as a clever pugilist.

From Los Angeles Times

Huston’s heart is certainly in the right place and the narrative corner he’s written for Mike to fight his way out of isn’t an untenable one for a pugilist melodrama.

From Los Angeles Times

Deborah, being the flinty pugilist that she is, resents her younger comedy twin for pushing her to be more attuned to progressive, empathetic viewpoints.

From Salon

He was the ultimate pugilist, a proper athlete in the heavyweight division.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023