pugilistic
Americanadjective
-
relating to or involving fighting with the fists, especially professional boxing.
The movie Rocky is a triumphant, rags-to-riches tale of pugilistic glory.
-
inclined or eager to fight; aggressively hostile; belligerent.
She was fired for being a pugilistic, wine-tossing diva who fought with nearly everyone.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pugilistic
Explanation
If you're pugilistic, you're a boxer — or you just like to fight. When you're heading to watch a boxing match, you could say you're going to see a pugilistic event (and you'll sound really smart). A professional boxer can be described as pugilistic, but a middle school kid who's always getting in fist fights is also pugilistic. Another word for a boxer or a fighter is a pugilist, which comes from the Latin pugil, "boxer or fist fighter." This root is also related to the word pugnus, "fist," and pugnacious, "combative or fond of fighting."
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.
It was classic Ford: pugilistic, blunt and, critics say, a bit reckless.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
During his testimony and cross-examination on Tuesday and Wednesday, he looked petty and pugilistic, offering answers inconsistent with his deposition and quibbling with defense attorney William Savitt over yes-or-no questions for hours.
From Slate ● Apr. 30, 2026
And Bennett thinks the heightened stakes and occasion will mean a less pugilistic occasion.
From BBC ● Feb. 22, 2026
Will Vance’s pugilistic approach pay off in 2028?
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 12, 2025
The day after his pugilistic rage, he sat in his chair and didn’t move or say a word all day.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
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