fighting word

noun

: a word likely to provoke a fight

Examples of fighting word 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.
But that is a fighting word — a fighting spelling — for Ukrainians. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 10 Dec. 2019 Perception becomes reality, so, to McMahon, those were fighting words. — Dan Gartland, SI.com, 18 Oct. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fighting word was in 1917

Rhymes for fighting word

See All Rhymes for fighting word

Browse Nearby Words

fighting top
fighting word
fight it out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fighting word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fighting%20word. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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