duel

[ doo-uhl, dyoo- ]

noun

1. a prearranged combat between two persons, fought with deadly weapons according to an accepted code of procedure, especially to settle a private quarrel.
2. any contest between two persons or parties.

verb (used with or without object)

, du·eled, du·el·ing or (especially British) du·elled, du·el·ling.

1. to fight in a duel.

duel

/ ˈdjuːəl /

noun

1. a prearranged combat with deadly weapons between two people following a formal procedure in the presence of seconds and traditionally fought until one party was wounded or killed, usually to settle a quarrel involving a point of honour
2. a contest or conflict between two persons or parties

verb

1. to fight in a duel
2. to contest closely

Derived Forms

• ˈdueller, noun

Other Words From

• duel·istic especially British, duel·listic adjective
• outduel verb (used with object) outdueled outdueling or (especially British) outduelled outduelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of duel¹

1585–95; earlier duell < Medieval Latin duellum, Latin: earlier form of bellum war, probably maintained and given sense “duel” by association with Latin duo two

Word History and Origins

Origin of duel¹

C15: from Medieval Latin duellum, from Latin, poetical variant of bellum war; associated by folk etymology with Latin duo two

Example Sentences

The fact that he’ll duel with Nebraska freshman Dylan Raiola, another quarterback of Polynesian descent, only adds to the special moment.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans will also be treated to a head-to-head duel between two of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Southland in Orange Lutheran sophomore Makena Cook and Newport Harbor senior Maia Helmar.

From Los Angeles Times

This is a talky chamber piece of philosophical face-offs, debate duels and wordy warfare, though the outcomes remain just as harrowing.

From Los Angeles Times

Its dueling initiative, which would have expanded abortion access, did not pass.

From Salon

But there is much more going on in this duel of symbolic power.

From Salon

Related Words

• bout
• shootout