pugilism

American  

[pyoo-juh-liz-uhm] / ˈpyu dʒəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the art or practice of fighting with the fists; boxing.

---

pugilism British  

/ ˈpjuːdʒɪˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the art, practice, or profession of fighting with the fists; boxing

---

Other Word Forms

• pugilist noun
• pugilistic adjective
• pugilistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of pugilism

1785–95; < Latin pugil boxer (akin to pugnus fist, pugnāre to fight; compare Greek pýx with the fist, pygmḗ boxing) + -ism

Explanation

Pugilism is another name for the sport of boxing. If you're a fan of pugilism, you probably enjoy watching people punch each other while wearing boxing gloves. If you're thinking about taking up a new sport and a friend suggests pugilism, she's talking about boxing. If you take up pugilism, you'll learn the footwork to use in a ring, and how to hold your gloves to protect your body and punch your opponent. Pugilism comes from the Latin word pugil, "boxer or fist fighter," a close relative of pugnus, "fist."

Example Sentences

He will quickly need to figure out how to balance pugilism and physicality with playing well enough to stay on the ice for the Stanley Cup-contending Rangers this season — and beyond.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2024

Over the last five years there has been a phenomenal rise in 'YouTuber' boxing, with social media influencers taking up the art of pugilism.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2023

You can understand why Peterson sees light in the dark world of pugilism.

From Washington Times • May 25, 2022

As he aged, his impulse for political pugilism withered, permitting a tender rapprochement with his rival George H.W.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2021

I began bombarding the boy with questions concerning pugilism: it seemed so different from the way we fought in the street—it was cleaner.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane