wrestling

noun

wres·​tling ˈre-sliŋ How to pronounce wrestling (audio)
ˈra-;
ˈre-sᵊl-iŋ, 
ˈra-
Synonyms of wrestlingnext
: a sport or contest in which two unarmed individuals struggle hand to hand with each attempting to subdue or unbalance the other

Examples of wrestling in a Sentence

My favorite sport is wrestling. He was on the wrestling team in high school.
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.
The match had everything a pro wrestling fan could want – incredible characters, exciting buildup and one of the best matches of the year. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 Maybe America was too busy wrestling with its own history of siding with the most despicable villains around? — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 July 2026 The move spares Rodriguez a punishing cut to 145 but drops him into the sport's deepest, most wrestling-heavy division. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Professional wrestling violence is normally scripted, with both parties agreeing to hit each other with punches, kicks, throws and sometimes weapons to tell a violent story in the ring or on camera. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrestling

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrestling was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing wrestling

Browse Nearby Words

wrestler
wrestling
wrest pin
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

wrestling

noun
wres·​tling ˈres-liŋ How to pronounce wrestling (audio)
: the sport in which two contestants wrestle each other
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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