SPARRING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does sparring mean? 

• SPARRING (noun)
  The noun SPARRING has 2 senses:

1. an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage

2. making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer

  Familiarity information: SPARRING used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SPARRING (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("sparring" is a kind of...):

arguing; argument; contention; contestation; controversy; disceptation; disputation; tilt (a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement)

Derivation:

spar (fight verbally)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

spar; sparring

Hypernyms ("sparring" is a kind of...):

boxing; fisticuffs; pugilism (fighting with the fists)

Derivation:

spar (box lightly)

 Context examples 

It was like sparring for an opening in fist-fighting.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

From early dawn until nightfall he was running, jumping, striking a bladder which swung upon a bar, or sparring with his formidable trainer.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)