1
: a fight between dogs
broadly
: a fiercely disputed contest
2
: a fight between two or more fighter planes usually at close quarters
dogfight
intransitive verb
Synonyms
Examples of dogfight in a Sentence
He was shot down in a dogfight over enemy territory.
The election has turned into a real dogfight.
Recent Examples on the Web
The program's director told Knapp about the Russian warplane dogfights with UFOs.
—
Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 29 July 2023
Expect an absolute dogfight between the AFC North's top teams.
—The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2023
The win not only set the tone for the rest of the Owls’ season, but ultimately served as a showcase of two conference’s better teams as the county looks forward to another competitive dogfight for the title in 2023.
—Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2023
Late in that film, Porco tells the story of his best friend’s death in a dogfight.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2023
The Astros are in a dogfight for the AL West with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, but appear well-prepared for another deep postseason run after reacquiring Justin Verlander, who will be on the mound Sunday, from the New York Mets at the trade deadline.
—Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press, 26 Aug. 2023
Related:How to cut Texans’ taxes by more than $11B unleashes GOP dogfight in Austin Austin Democratic Sen. Sarah Eckhardt applauded, while cautioning that lawmakers this summer also should finish their work on public school funding and teacher pay.
—Robert T. Garrett, Dallas News, 30 May 2023
Analysts say the jet’s introduction increased the versatility of the Essex, giving it a better aircraft for aerial dogfights while also providing improved ground support for Marines.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2023
What happens when Philly gets in a dogfight with a squad that can go toe-to-toe, one that has an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes – the type, save Aaron Rodgers in a subpar year, the Eagles really haven’t faced this season?
—USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2023
See More
Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 29 July 2023
Expect an absolute dogfight between the AFC North's top teams.
—The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2023
The win not only set the tone for the rest of the Owls’ season, but ultimately served as a showcase of two conference’s better teams as the county looks forward to another competitive dogfight for the title in 2023.
—Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2023
Late in that film, Porco tells the story of his best friend’s death in a dogfight.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2023
The Astros are in a dogfight for the AL West with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, but appear well-prepared for another deep postseason run after reacquiring Justin Verlander, who will be on the mound Sunday, from the New York Mets at the trade deadline.
—Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press, 26 Aug. 2023
Related:How to cut Texans’ taxes by more than $11B unleashes GOP dogfight in Austin Austin Democratic Sen. Sarah Eckhardt applauded, while cautioning that lawmakers this summer also should finish their work on public school funding and teacher pay.
—Robert T. Garrett, Dallas News, 30 May 2023
Analysts say the jet’s introduction increased the versatility of the Essex, giving it a better aircraft for aerial dogfights while also providing improved ground support for Marines.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2023
What happens when Philly gets in a dogfight with a squad that can go toe-to-toe, one that has an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes – the type, save Aaron Rodgers in a subpar year, the Eagles really haven’t faced this season?
—USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dogfight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near dogfight
Cite this Entry
“Dogfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dogfight. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on dogfight
Nglish: Translation of dogfight for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dogfight
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