Boxing: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for the sport where two people throw punches at each other while wearing gloves. Suitable for most casual, formal, and academic discussions.

• I watch boxing matches every Saturday.
• Boxing is included in the Olympics.

Formal and academic term for the sport or practice of fighting with fists. Often used in historical or technical discussions about boxing.

• Pugilism has a long history dating back to the ancient Greeks.
• He studied the techniques of pugilism for many years.

Historical term referring to professional boxing matches where the participants fight for monetary rewards. Often used in discussing the history of the sport.

• In the 19th century, prizefighting was very popular despite being illegal.
• Prizefighting has evolved significantly over the years.

Old-fashioned and informal term often referring to a spontaneous fight involving fists, without formal rules or gloves. Can have a slightly comedic or dismissive tone.

• The two boys got into a bit of fisticuffs at school.
• It was just a minor disagreement; no need to escalate to fisticuffs.

This word is commonly used in the context of placing items into a box, typically for storage or shipping.

• We're boxing up our old books to donate them
• The factory workers are busy boxing the products for shipment

This term is generally used when you are preparing items for a move, journey, or to send them somewhere. It can refer to both the placing of items into containers and the arranging of these containers.

• I'm packing my suitcase for the holiday
• The team is packing the equipment for the trip

This term is most often used to describe covering an item in paper, plastic, or other materials, usually for protection or for gift-giving.

• She is wrapping the gifts for the party
• Wrapping delicate items in bubble wrap can help prevent breakage

This is specifically used for placing large or fragile items into a crate, often for the purpose of shipping or long-term storage.

• We're crating the antique furniture for safe transport
• The artwork is being crated to prevent damage during shipping

Use when talking about the act of placing items into boxes for storage or shipment.

• We spent the afternoon boxing up old clothes for donation.
• She is good at boxing fragile items carefully.

Use when talking about a physical or verbal confrontation or conflict.

• The two boys got into a fight after school.
• The country is preparing for a fight against the invaders.

Use when referring to the act of placing items into a container or luggage, especially for travel or moving.

• She needs to pack her bags for the trip.
• They are busy packing their belongings for the move.

Use when referring to a large, sturdy container typically used for shipping or storing items.

• They packed the wine bottles in a wooden crate.
• The dog was transported in a secure crate.