bare-knuckle

American  

[bair-nuhk-uhl] / ˈbɛərˈnʌk əl /

Sometimes bareknuckle, or bare-knuckled

adjective

1. (of a boxer) wearing no boxing gloves.

   These are bare-knuckle kids who need to learn a higher level of boxing.

2. (of a boxing match or other fight) without gloves.

   a bare-knuckle brawl.

3. without regard for rules or niceties; rough-and-tumble.

   a bare-knuckle approach to judicial reform.

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adverb

1. without boxing gloves.

   He’s a scrappy guy who likes to fight bare-knuckle.

2. in a manner that bypasses rules and niceties.

   If we have to take on these land developers bare-knuckle, we will.

bare-knuckle British  

adjective

1. without boxing gloves

   a bare-knuckle fight

2. aggressive and without reservations

   a bare-knuckle confrontation

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Etymology

Origin of bare-knuckle

First recorded in 1880–85; bare ¹ + knuckle

Example Sentences

While the election victory signaled Carney’s strength in the polls, political observers here said the prime minister showed bare-knuckle political skills in convincing political opponents to join his side, known here as “floor crossing.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Barger referenced a former state Assembly speaker known for bare-knuckle tactics, which she said were needed now in the Capitol.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

He is convinced that bare-knuckle boxing can go mainstream.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Greg Norman knows life would have been simpler if he hadn’t willingly placed himself at the center of the bare-knuckle brawl that plunged professional golf into chaos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

That it was bare and cold and smoky, heavy bags hanging from the ceiling that Ms. Adams gave bare-knuckle jabs and right hooks to.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds