wrestling

American  

[res-ling] / ˈrɛs lɪŋ /

noun

1. a sport in which two opponents struggle hand to hand in order to pin or press each other's shoulders to the mat or ground, with the style, rules, and regulations differing widely in amateur and professional matches.

2. the act of a person who wrestles.

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wrestling British  

/ ˈrɛslɪŋ /

noun

1. any of certain sports in which the contestants fight each other according to various rules governing holds and usually forbidding blows with the closed fist. The principal object is to overcome the opponent either by throwing or pinning him to the ground or by causing him to submit See freestyle Graeco-Roman sumo

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Etymology

Origin of wrestling

before 1100; Middle English; Old English wrǣstlunge. See wrestle, -ing ¹

Explanation

Wrestling is a sport in which two athletes compete to see who can hold the other down, using specific moves. If you enjoy grappling with your brother, pinning each other to the couch, you might want to take up wrestling. Wrestling is one of the oldest sports, dating back to the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians. The original Greek Olympics included a brutal, violent form of wrestling. If you watch or participate in high school or college wrestling, you know that these days, it's a highly controlled, athletic sport. So-called professional wrestling, on the other hand, is mainly a form of entertainment, featuring gaudy costumes and elaborately choreographed moves.

Example Sentences

For the better part of a year, I spent myriad sleepless nights wrestling with my conscience.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

Lucha Libre Voz, an independent professional wrestling company based in California and Arizona, will host its worldwide championship match between Tigre Uno and Septimo Dragon.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Competing for the second year, Gareth Way said while kicking remains the main focus, shoving and wrestling your opponent is "at least 50% of it".

From BBC • May 30, 2026

We witness Byatt wrestling, often magnificently, with the same challenge.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

“The Disaster March,” he said, wrestling the apron over his head.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

• judo
• karate