lucha libre

noun

lu·​cha li·​bre ˈlü-chə-ˈlē-(,)brā 

variants or Lucha Libre

1

: a form of professional wrestling originating in Mexico in which competitors wear distinctive form-fitting masks and use acrobatic techniques

The masked heroes of lucha libre are stepping out of the ring and into the spotlight at Comic-Con Museum's latest exhibit called, Sangre, Sudor y Mito, which translates into blood, sweat and myth.

—Salvador Rivera

Lucha libre—which refers to freestyle wrestling or literally "free fight"—is one of Mexico's most popular forms of entertainment, while it is also followed by many wrestling fans in the U.S.

—Paul Schott

This is a bout so monumental it would pack 20,000 fans in Mexico—yet it will happen live in front of the greater Los Angeles area, giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness Lucha Libre history unfold.

—Jeremy Thomas

2

plural luchas libres ˈlü-chəs-ˈlē-(,)brās  or lucha libres ˈlü-chə-ˈlē-(,)brāz  also Luchas Libres or Lucha Libres : a lucha libre wrestling match

While the "quinceaneras" and weddings are their bread and butter, occasional Tuesday night wrestling bouts known as luchas libres have been popular.

—Barbara Karkabi

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, literally "free fighting"

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1