boxer

¹

[ bok-ser ]

noun

1. a person who fights as a sport, usually with gloved fists, according to set rules; prize-fighter; pugilist.
2. one of a German breed of medium-sized, stocky, short-haired, pug-faced dogs having a brindled or tan coat with white markings.
3. a person or thing that packs items into boxes. box.
4. boxers. boxer shorts.

Boxer

²

[ bok-ser ]

noun

1. a member of a Chinese secret society that carried on an unsuccessful uprising, 1898–1900 BoxerRebellion, principally against foreigners, culminating in a siege of foreign legations in Peking (now Beijing) that was put down by an international expeditionary force.

boxer

¹

/ ˈbɒksə /

noun

1. a person who boxes, either professionally or as a hobby; pugilist
2. a medium-sized smooth-haired breed of dog with a short nose and a docked tail

Boxer

²

/ ˈbɒksə /

noun

1. 1. a member of a nationalistic Chinese secret society that led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1900 against foreign interests in China
   2. ( as modifier )

      the Boxer Rebellion

Word History and Origins

Origin of boxer¹

First recorded in 1735–45; box ² + -er ¹

Origin of boxer²

First recorded in 1895–1900; translation of Chinese yìhé juǎn “Righteous Harmony Fist,” name of the militant policy of the yìhé tuán “Righteous Harmony Group”

Word History and Origins

Origin of boxer¹

C18: rough translation of Chinese I Ho Ch'üan , literally: virtuous harmonious fist, altered from I Ho T'uan virtuous harmonious society

Example Sentences

In 1908, White people began searching for a white boxer to defeat Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight champion.

From Salon

Despite the lack of sparks in their Netflix fight, both boxers were looking forward to their next match.

From Salon

As a limited boxer, he was unable to get rid of a former world champion who had forgotten more about the sport than Paul will ever know.

From BBC

The super-fight was deserving of topping the bill, yet the striking dome-shaped stadium was almost full when the boxers made their ring walks.

From BBC

The Netflix listing for Friday's event, which includes the boxers in the cast list, reads: "This film is: Rousing, Exciting."

From BBC

Related Words

• fighter
• prizefighter