bout

[ bout ]

noun

1. a contest or trial of strength, as of boxing.

   Synonyms: encounter, fray, match

2. period; session; spell:

   a bout of illness.

3. a turn at work or any action.
4. a going and returning across a field, as in mowing or reaping.

bout

/ baʊt /

noun

1. 1. a period of time spent doing something, such as drinking
   2. a period of illness
2. a contest or fight, esp a boxing or wrestling match

Word History and Origins

Origin of bout¹

1535–45; variant of obsolete bought bend, turn, derivative of bow bow ¹; bight

Word History and Origins

Origin of bout¹

C16: variant of obsolete bought turn; related to German Bucht bight ; see about

Example Sentences

Even he admitted he was unsure and there was an air of resignation, mixed with occasional bouts of defiance, about Gatland in his interviews after the Australia defeat.

From BBC

The Los Gatos, Calif.-based streaming giant said 60 million households watched the bout between Paul, a fighter who has established his fame through YouTube, and Tyson, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion.

From Los Angeles Times

"If that relationship becomes unpredictable, or is marked by repeated bouts of good and bad behavior, it can cause real problems for the whole team."

From Science Daily

"I guess there's a bit of irony," Billam-Smith said in the ring after the bout.

From BBC

The aftermath of the case saw an undignified bout of finger-pointing.

From BBC

Related Words

• battle
• boxing match
• competition
• contest
• encounter
• match
• round
• struggle