Entry Word: battle

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective <passing the class was an uphill battle, but she succeeded> — see struggle 1
2 a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups <a battle between rival gangs left two people injured> — see fight 1
3 active fighting during the course of a war <the battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought on a nearby hill> — see combat 1
4 an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another <the chess game was a real battle between two of the worldʼs best players> — see contest 1