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split decision

American

noun

Boxing.

a decision of a bout on whose outcome the referee and judges did not unanimously agree.

split decision British

noun

boxing the award of a fight on a majority verdict of the judges as opposed to a unanimous decision

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of split decision

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

American Wilder was awarded a split decision with scores of 115–111 and 115–113, while one judge scored it 115–112 to Chisora.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The decision to increase interest rates was a split decision, with five of the nine board members voting for an increase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

It was a split decision with two judges in the majority and one judge in the dissent.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2026

Lewis Crocker claimed the vacant IBF welterweight title with a split decision win against Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2025

The split decision leaves the mogul facing up to 10 years in prison.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2025

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023