bullfight

[ bool-fahyt ]

noun

1. a traditional Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin American spectacle in which a bull is fought fought by a matador, assisted by banderilleros and picadors, in a prescribed way in an arena and is usually killed.

bullfight

/ ˈbʊlˌfaɪt /

noun

1. a traditional Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American spectacle in which a matador, assisted by banderilleros and mounted picadors, baits and usually kills a bull in an arena

Derived Forms

• ˈbullˌfighting, noun
• ˈbullˌfighter, noun

Other Words From

• bullfighting noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bullfight¹

First recorded in 1745–55; bull ¹ + fight

Example Sentences

There was a parade, a bullfight, several Catholic Masses — and ample opportunity to share the food, language and culture of a quietly powerful community tucked into California’s farmlands.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet there was a strong feeling of the unknown when I made the ring walk for my bare knuckle debut in a bullfighting arena in Marbella which looked like a mini colosseum.

From BBC

It may sound like an unusual career choice in an era where bullfighting is considered a cruel and outdated sport, primarily due to issues of animal welfare.

From BBC

Colombia's Congress has passed a bill which will ban bullfighting across the Andean country from 2027.

From BBC

"There have always been gay people in bullfighting, but they didn't say anything," says Mario Alcalde.

From BBC