ringside

American  

[ring-sahyd] / ˈrɪŋˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the area immediately surrounding a ring, especially the area occupied by the first row of seats on all sides of a boxing or wrestling ring.

2. any place providing a close view.

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adjective

1. in or pertaining to the area immediately surrounding a ring or arena.

2. close to the point of action; having a close view.

ringside British  

/ ˈrɪŋˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the area immediately surrounding an arena, esp the row of seats nearest a boxing or wrestling ring

2. 1. any place affording a close uninterrupted view

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ringside seat

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Etymology

Origin of ringside

First recorded in 1865–75; ring ¹ + side ¹

Example Sentences

He had a perfect ringside seat, he said.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Fieri faced similar pushback in July 2023, when a photo circulated of him greeting Trump ringside at UFC 290 in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

He won widely on the scorecards and immediately called out British rival Anthony Joshua, who was at ringside.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Watching from ringside was pound-for-pound star Claressa Shields, shouting encouragement for Dubois.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

And that’s not all—apparently he told someone who worked for the circus that he used to carry water for the elephants, and they upgraded his ticket to a ringside seat!

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen