bout

noun

ˈbau̇t How to pronounce bout (audio)
Synonyms of bout
: a spell or period of activity: such as
a
: an athletic match (as of boxing)
lost his bout with the champion
b
: outbreak, attack
a bout of pneumonia
frequent bouts of depression
survived her bout with cancer
c
: session
a drinking bout
a bout of unemployment

Synonyms of bout

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Examples of bout in a Sentence

undoubtedly the team's best wrestler, he hasn't lost a bout yet she's currently suffering from a bout of the flu
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.
Daniel Cole | Reuters Fears over artificial intelligence debt have eased after a bout of volatility. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 In a 1997 heavyweight championship bout, Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield's right ear. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 The Falcons’ bout with the 49ers appeared unfavorable on paper. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026 But in the event of an energetic lull or bout of social fatigue, a game is a nice place to land. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bout

Word History

Etymology

English dialect, a trip going and returning in plowing, from Middle English bought bend

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bout was in 1575

Rhymes for bout

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Browse Nearby Words

boustrophedon
bout
boutade
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Cite this Entry

“Bout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bout. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bout

noun
ˈbau̇t How to pronounce bout (audio)
1
: a spell of activity
nonstop bout of reading
2
: an athletic match
wrestling bout
3
: attack entry 2 sense 3
a bout of measles

More from Merriam-Webster on bout

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bout

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