SPARRING Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

sparring

[ spahr-ing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.
the act or process of disputing or bandying words:
After some final sparring between opposing counsel, the prosecution made its closing argument.
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

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.
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.
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.

Discover More

51�Թ� 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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The move came less than a week before the inauguration of President Trump, who was O’Donnell’s sparring partner and nemesis long before he was first elected.

From

On the campaign trail with Donald Trump last year, Vance spent much of his time sharply criticising Democrats - the usual attack-dog duties that traditionally get dished out to running mates - and sparring with reporters.

From

But Hearn, who has promoted Joshua for the entirety of his professional career, laughed off the story, saying he has never witnessed Bakole "rock" Joshua in sparring.

From

"The AI is not so much giving you answers, as giving you a sparring partner," he says.

From

At issue between the often sparring politicians is far more than personal feelings: California will require billions in federal aid to rebuild, and local and state entities are banking on large-scale reimbursements for their spending.

From

Browse