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

Many investors showed up for the duo’s famous Q&A sessions that covered the business, but often included bouts of comedy. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 4 May 2026

After a long-term deal with Disney for pay-per-view events expired, UFC bouts shifted to Paramount+, available to all subscribers without an extra fee. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 May 2026

All three judges score the bout 117-111 and Mayweather remains unbeaten in 44 fights. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Round 1 of the Cale Makar-Quinn Hughes heavyweight fight was absolute cinema, but the Colorado Avalanche won a key undercard bout during a frenetic Game 1 victory. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 4 May 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