sparring

American  

[spahr-ing] / ˈspɑr ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of boxing with light blows, or of training by practicing the motions of attack and defense.

   I’m heading to the boxing gym to get in some sparring.

   Wu shu as a sport takes mainly two forms: the dancelike practice of the routine exercise, and the sparring in duels.

2. the act or process of disputing or bandying words.

   After some final sparring between opposing counsel, the prosecution made its closing argument.

3. the act of striking or attacking with the feet or spurs, as fighting roosters do.

   To prevent injury during sparring, they even put foam rubber covers on the spurs of their gamecocks.

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adjective

1. boxing with light blows, or practicing boxing motions of attack and defense.

   The place was packed with spectators cheering for the sparring boxers in the ring.

2. disputing or bandying words.

   The crew is a mix of personalities, from the friendly pilot to the constantly sparring pair of engineers who keep the ship running.

3. striking or attacking with the feet or spurs, as gamecocks do.

   This vintage table decoration features a pair of sparring roosters made of polished metal.

Etymology

Origin of sparring

First recorded in 1625–35; spar ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; spar ² ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

With the season's penultimate episode "Sparring Partners," the Hulu show presents two paths to developing a rogue.

From Salon • Aug. 17, 2022

Sparring with him on a local television public affairs show about a decade ago, I noticed his wide, almost mischievous smile.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2022

Sparring so publicly with a News Corp. reporter was all the more extraordinary because Murdoch has long been seen as a supporter of Morrison.

From Washington Post • Mar. 23, 2021

Sparring with reporters for more than an hour, he accused newspapers and TV networks of purposely ignoring his successes and manufacturing negative stories about him.

From Washington Times • Feb. 19, 2017

Sparring partners were few and poorly paid; without proper drilling and practice, the performance greatly suffered.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela