pugilism

[ pyoo-juh-liz-uhm ]

noun

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

pugilism

/ ˈpjuːdʒɪˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌpugiˈlistically, adverb
• ˈpugilist, noun
• ˌpugiˈlistic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pugilism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pugilism¹

C18: from Latin pugil a boxer; related to pugnus fist, pugna a fight

Example Sentences

His father Stan instructed him to do hours of press-ups from the age of five, introduced him to pugilism aged eight and encouraged him to turn professional after a few senior bouts..

From BBC

But he soon experienced the fickleness of pro pugilism in a significant step-up.

From BBC

The Boxing Pride gym taught Lozano the basics of pugilism and when she began defeating 16- and 17-year-olds when she was just 11, her trainer realized that “La Traviesa” could do great things.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Kraken winger Jordan Eberle, a former Islanders player not exactly known for pugilism, immediately went at Pulock and the two locked arms for several seconds staring and jawing at one another.

From Seattle Times