shadowbox

[ shad-oh-boks ]

verb (used without object)
  1. to make the motions of attack and defense, as in boxing, as a training or conditioning procedure.

  2. to evade or avoid direct or decisive action.

Origin of shadowbox

1
First recorded in 1915–20; shadow + box2

Other definitions for shadow box (2 of 2)

shadow box

noun
  1. a shallow, rectangular frame fronted with a glass panel, used to show and at the same time protect items on display, as paintings, coins, or jewelry.

Origin of shadow box

2
First recorded in 1905–10
  • Also called shadow box frame .

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

How to use shadowbox in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for shadow-box

shadow-box

verb(intr)
  1. boxing to practise blows and footwork against an imaginary opponent

  2. to act or speak unconvincingly, without saying what one means, etc: he's just shadow-boxing

Derived forms of shadow-box

  • shadow-boxing, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012