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
Another son of a popular musician to suit up for major college football was Hud Mellencamp, a two-time Golden Gloves boxing champion in Indiana who walked on as a wide receiver at Duke. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 More castmembers are stepping into the ring for House of Guerrero, the boxing drama that marks a reunion for director Gina Rodriguez and producer Justin Baldoni. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 Then there’s the indoor sports complex, which comes with a gym, boxing ring, basketball court, pickleball court, and lounge. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 Trump invited Graham to speak onstage and asked boxing legend Evander Holyfield to address the crowd as well, marking a surprise appearance from the former heavyweight champion. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 22 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 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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