boxing

1 of 3

noun (1)

box·​ing ˈbäk-siŋ How to pronounce boxing (audio)
Synonyms of boxingnext
: the art of attack and defense with the fists practiced as a sport

boxing

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
: an act of enclosing in a box
2
: a boxlike enclosure : casing
3
: material used for boxes and casings

boxing

3 of 3

present participle of box entry 2, box entry 3, box entry 6

Examples of boxing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In his fourth title defense, Jack Johnson KOs Stanley Ketchel in the 12th round at Mission St Arena, Colma, California to retain his heavyweight boxing crown. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Ippolito plays Sylvester Stallone in Peter Farrelly’s movie, which follows the tumultuous production of the 1976 boxing film that won three Oscars, including best picture. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 Vitali Klitschko, the former heavyweight boxing champion who now serves as mayor of Kyiv, is also seen as a prime contender. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026 Tyson is also the subject of Tyson, a four-part documentary series that premiered on Netflix this week, revisiting his boxing career and controversies outside the ring. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boxing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1711, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boxing was in 1542

Phrases Containing boxing

Browse Nearby Words

boxiness
boxing
Boxing Day
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boxing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boxing

noun
box·​ing
ˈbäk-siŋ
: the sport of fighting with the fists

Medical Definition

boxing

noun
box·​ing ˈbäk-siŋ How to pronounce boxing (audio)
: construction of the base of a dental cast by building up the walls of an impression while preserving important landmarks

More from Merriam-Webster on boxing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for boxing

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boxing

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