sparring

[ spahr-ing ]

noun

1. the act or process of boxing with light blows, or of training by practicing the motions of attack and defense:

   I’m heading to the boxing gym to get in some sparring.

   Wu shu as a sport takes mainly two forms: the dancelike practice of the routine exercise, and the sparring in duels.

2. the act or process of disputing or bandying words:

   After some final sparring between opposing counsel, the prosecution made its closing argument.

3. the act of striking or attacking with the feet or spurs, as fighting roosters do:

   To prevent injury during sparring, they even put foam rubber covers on the spurs of their gamecocks.

adjective

1. boxing with light blows, or practicing boxing motions of attack and defense:

   The place was packed with spectators cheering for the sparring boxers in the ring.

2. disputing or bandying words:

   The crew is a mix of personalities, from the friendly pilot to the constantly sparring pair of engineers who keep the ship running.

3. striking or attacking with the feet or spurs, as gamecocks do:

   This vintage table decoration features a pair of sparring roosters made of polished metal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sparring¹

First recorded in 1625–35; spar ²( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses; spar ²( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

At the very least, he would make a thoughtful and high-minded sparring partner for Clinton in the debates that lie ahead.

From The Daily Beast

Yet for all the ideological sparring, the campaign may be decided by something far less exotic: geography.

From The Daily Beast

However, occasional verbal sparring is not the only opposition they face.

From The Daily Beast

Variety stated that “Branagh and Thompson bring appealing intelligence and verbal snap to their ongoing sparring.”

From The Daily Beast

Johansson needed a sparring partner, and a young, brash man, just a year out of the amateurs, volunteered.

From The Daily Beast

After which conversational sparring they fell back upon the little commonplaces of the moment.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a terrific struggle; not the skillful sparring of trained fighters, but the rough and tumble battling of primitive giants.

From Project Gutenberg

He plied his companions with questions, sparring for more time.

From Project Gutenberg

"'Twas this way," said Mr. Hennessy, sparring at Mr. Dooley.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact it was more of a wrestling than a sparring match,—a test of strength, prowess, agility.

From Project Gutenberg