WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
pu•gi•lism /ˈpyudʒəˌlɪzəm/USA pronunciation
n. [uncountable]
pu•gi•lis•tic, adj. See -pugn-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Sportthe art or practice of fighting with the fists;
boxing.
pu•gi•lis•tic, adj. See -pugn-.
pu•gi•lism
(pyo̅o̅′jə liz′əm),USA pronunciation n.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Sportthe art or practice of fighting with the fists;
boxing.
- Latin pugil boxer (akin to pugnus fist, pugnāre to fight; compare Greek pýx with the fist, pygmé̄ boxing) + -ism
- 1785–95
pu•gi•list
(pyo̅o̅′jə list),USA pronunciation n.
pu′gi•lis′tic, adj.
pu′gi•lis′ti•cal•ly, adv.
- Sporta person who fights with the fists;
a boxer, usually a professional.
- Latin pugil (see pugilism)+ -ist
- 1780–90
pu′gi•lis′ti•cal•ly, adv.
'pugilistic' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):