boxing

1 of 2

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 2

noun (2)

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

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
And what better way to celebrate than by having two women throw on boxing mitts and wail on each other in the middle of a street? — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 Alongside the release date announcement, a new teaser shows intense footage of Ali training with the goal of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 6 July 2026 That list—which my fiancé can likely reel off by heart—includes opening packages, doing certain types of workouts (boxing, for one), closing my hand into a fist, and picking up any card or coin that falls on the floor. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 July 2026 Witnesses told the Star-Telegram that a Fourth of July party was being held in the area including a DJ and a boxing match. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 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 8 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of boxing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boxing

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