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sparring

sparring

22 4.5
Practice of boxing with a partner to improve skills
  • noun
  • /ˈspɑːrɪŋ/
translation icon : combate de entrenamiento
  • Looks like Dundee found your new sparring partner.
  • sparring partner
  • sparring session
  • sparring match

We've got the right kind of sparring in for what we need to do.

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Examples

Synonyms

spar
vssparring
1 7.2

A short practice fight between boxers to improve skills

is the same practice described using the broader training term
sparring match
vssparring
1 4.9

A short practice fight in boxing or martial arts to improve skills

focuses on training with simulated attacks and defenses not exhibition
shadowboxing
vssparring
1 6.9

Moving your arms and body as if fighting an imaginary person to practice boxing skills

involves partner attacks and defenses rather than an imaginary opponent

Compounds

A person who trains with a boxer to help them prepare for a fight

A short practice fight in boxing or martial arts to improve skills

A quick back-and-forth argument between people to test ideas

5.6

A boxer who trains with another boxer to help them prepare for a fight

How Intense

sparring
22 4.5
drill
257 3.4
shadowboxing
1 6.9

Surface Forms

sparring singular
sparrings plural

Morphology

sparring = spar (transparent) = spar + ing

A straightforward nominalization of the verb 'spar' referring to practice fighting; the meaning is directly derived from the verb.

Etymology

Sparring comes from the older word spar, which meant a short, practice fight where two people trade light 'blows' to learn. That's why sparring today means practising attacks and defences with fists and arms.