fisticuffs

plural noun

fist·​i·​cuffs ˈfi-sti-ˌkəfs How to pronounce fisticuffs (audio)
Synonyms of fisticuffs
: a fight with the fists

Examples of fisticuffs 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.
From local civic fisticuffs to mass school shootings, most of us have an internal voice that says stop. — WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 After several minute of antagonistic behavior, one of the men took him up on fisticuffs. — John Benson, cleveland, 14 Sep. 2022 From a football standpoint, there are more fracases and fisticuffs in joint practices than games, diminishing some of their value. — Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2022 The argument eventually ends with fisticuffs because Cooper doesn’t seem sure how to exit out of the premise any other way. — Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for fisticuffs

Word History

Etymology

alteration of fisty cuff, from fisty fistic + cuff

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fisticuffs was in 1605

Rhymes for fisticuffs

See All Rhymes for fisticuffs

Browse Nearby Words

fisticuffer
fisticuffs
fistle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fisticuffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fisticuffs. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fisticuffs

plural noun
fist·​i·​cuffs ˈfis-ti-ˌkəfs How to pronounce fisticuffs (audio)
: a fight with fists

More from Merriam-Webster on fisticuffs

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fisticuffs

Nglish: Translation of fisticuffs for Spanish Speakers

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