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
Jack Hirsch, biographer of Anthony’s husband, Olympic and pro boxing champ Michael Spinks, confirmed the news to Anthony’s longtime publication New York Amsterdam News. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Most people think that boxing matches are won by throwing the most punches, but fights are actually won by controlling the ring. — Serhii Zakharov, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The games are held every four years and feature wheelchair basketball, artistic gymnastics, boxing, cycling, para-swimming, weightlifting and more. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 Fightland, created by Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith, is set in the underworld of British boxing. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 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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