bout

noun

ˈbau̇t 

: a spell or period of activity: such as

a

: an athletic match (as of boxing)

lost his bout with the champion

b

: outbreak, attack

a bout of pneumonia

frequent bouts of depression

survived her bout with cancer

c

: session

a drinking bout

a bout of unemployment

Synonyms of bout

• tournament
• competition
• event
• game
• match
• contest

Examples of bout in a Sentence

undoubtedly the team's best wrestler, he hasn't lost a bout yet

she's currently suffering from a bout of the flu

Recent Examples on the Web

Millions across the Midwest remain under flood watches early Friday as additional bouts of rain sweep through the flooded region where even modest rainfall could cause new problems. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

An acute bout of inflation during the pandemic sent prices soaring. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

The show’s first two episodes feature scenes of shadowboxing, random bouts of wrestling and friendly teasing between players and coaches in between the hustle and bustle of an NFL training camp. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

In those regions, businesses may not have the infrastructure, air conditioning or flexible work schedules necessary to operate during bouts of high heat. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

English dialect, a trip going and returning in plowing, from Middle English bought bend

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bout

• clout
• doubt
• drought
• flout
• gout
• grout
• kraut
• lout
• out
• pout
• rout
• scout

Kids Definition

bout

noun

ˈbau̇t 

1

: a spell of activity

nonstop bout of reading

2

: an athletic match

wrestling bout

3

: attack entry 2 sense 3

a bout of measles