pugilist

[ pyoo-juh-list ]
See synonyms for pugilist on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a person who fights with the fists; a boxer, usually a professional.

Origin of pugilist

1
First recorded in 1780–90; from Latin pugil (see pugilism) + -ist

Other words from pugilist

  • pu·gi·lis·tic [pyoo-juh-lis-tik] /ˌpyu dʒəˈlɪs tɪk/ adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use pugilist in a sentence

  • In fact, I gave her Majesty as much muscle as would serve for half-a-dozen professional pugilists or “strong men.”

  • Much time was spent in the evenings discussing the various merits and demerits of the pugilists.

    A California Girl | Edward Eldridge
  • They are like angry children and women and pugilists; their vocabulary of abuse is amusing and inexhaustible.

  • Have a small platform roped off with silk cords, toy figures of pugilists labeled, and all the accessories.

    Suppers | Paul Pierce
  • He frequented what are called "sporting circles," where in the company of jockeys and pugilists he was entirely at home.

    Max Fargus | Owen Johnson