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split decision

American

noun

Boxing.

a decision of a bout on whose outcome the referee and judges did not unanimously agree.

split decision British

noun

boxing the award of a fight on a majority verdict of the judges as opposed to a unanimous decision

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of split decision

First recorded in 1945–50

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.

On the key question of whether contribution and spending limits violated the First Amendment rights of free speech and association, Buckley issued a split decision.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

The first lawsuit yielded a split decision this year, with the government winning some legal points and the company largely prevailing on tax calculations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Fury claimed a controversial victory by split decision in October 2023 before Joshua cruised to a second-round knockout win over Ngannou in March 2024.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2025

Paul has 12 wins and one loss in his professional boxing career - that defeat coming against Fury's brother Tommy by split decision in 2023.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

The split decision leaves the mogul facing up to 10 years in prison.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2025

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