shadowbox

verb shad·ow·box \ ˈsha-dō-ˌbäks , -də-ˌbäks \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Examples: shadowbox in a Sentence

Definition of shadowbox

shadowboxed; shadowboxing; shadowboxes

intransitive verb

: to box with an imaginary opponent especially as a form of training

See shadowbox defined for English-language learners

See shadowbox defined for kids

Examples of shadowbox in a Sentence

He was shadowboxing to stay in shape.

Recent Examples of shadowbox from the Web

But Mayweather, a shadow of himself, plays defense when shadowboxing.

— kevin acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Alvarez-Golovkin ready for real fight," 29 Aug. 2017
Michael Gonzalez, 46, owner of Verde Flowers on Lincoln Avenue was shadowboxing on a recent afternoon.

— jaime lowe, New York Times, "The South Bronx Boxing Gym at the Center of Gentrification," 17 Aug. 2017
In front of Somerset Station stood Joe Aster, shadowboxing in sandals, a softball shirt, and Buddy Holly glasses.

— mike newall, Philly.com, "There's an answer to the heroin problem we need to try: Safe-injection sites," 14 July 2017
WASHINGTON — The simmering Senate debate over health care is about to to go from shadowboxing to the real thing.

— jonathan tamari, Philly.com, "Even before GOP health care bill is introduced, battle lines clear in PA, NJ," 21 June 2017
Comey didn’t outright accuse Trump of obstruction, and neither Trump nor Kasowitz explicitly denied that Trump obstructed, but the two parties are shadowboxing around that question.

— brian beutler, New Republic, "Trump: I Am Not A Crook! Republicans: Trump Is a Liar, But Not a Crook!," 12 June 2017
Entering the stage in darkness and shadowboxing in silhouette was the easiest part, letting my punch combinations blend into the rhythm of the music.

— mark connor, Twin Cities, "St. Paul boxer finds his inner ballerina with St. Paul Ballet company," 12 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shadowbox.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of shadowbox

1924

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

shadow box

noun

Definition of shadow box

: a shallow enclosing case usually with a glass front in which something is set for protection and display

Recent Examples of shadow box from the Web

At the start of Tuesday’s meeting, a delegation of local veterans presented Cunningham with a folded American flag in a shadow box.

— steve dreyer, Pomerado News, "Cunnigham saluted by council members, vets," 6 June 2018
Go shadow box in the bathroom stall where no one can see you.

— NBC News, "How to read body language and use it to get ahead, according to a Secret Service agent," 23 May 2018
This shadow box — a framed dollhouse room with a woman, red curtains and a fortuneteller’s globe — is so eerie and mysterious.

— mary billard, New York Times, "Alexa Ray Joel, Downtown Girl, Is Surrounded by Memories," 6 Feb. 2018
If your mom is more of a jewelry lover, why not get her a shadow box to artfully display her unique collection?

— lauren le vine, Redbook, "Don't Worry, We've Already Found the Best Gifts for Mother's Day," 6 May 2013
Details Ageless Blooms | 205.564.2151 | agelessblooms.com | The most popular package costs $285 and includes preservation plus a shadow box.

— julia sayers, AL.com, "Learn how to preserve your wedding flowers from the experts," 7 Mar. 2018
And the elegant styles Michelle Cannon Smith features on her blog Iron and Twine are housed in simple shadow boxes.

— jessica mattern, Country Living, "These Enchanting Winter Dioramas Are Trending and Our Christmas-Loving Hearts Can Barely Stand It," 8 Dec. 2017
On the wall in the Hugget’s home in Sturgis is a shadow box with Phibie’s ashes, an amazing photo of her, and items that reflect the seasons.

— deb holland, The Seattle Times, "South Dakota family honors daughter who died in house fire," 24 Dec. 2017
Kim: Hang it in the window for back lighting, but you also can put it in a lighted shadow box.

— joanne kempinger demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Homeowner's stained glass adds elegance to enlarged ranch," 28 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shadow box.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of shadow box

1891

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

SHADOWBOX Defined for English Language Learners

shadowbox

verb

Definition of shadowbox for English Language Learners

: to box with an imaginary opponent as a form of training

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shadowbox

Definition of shadowbox

Examples of shadowbox in a Sentence

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shadow box

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First Known Use of shadow box

SHADOWBOX Defined for English Language Learners

shadowbox

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shadow box

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