shad·ow·box
ˈsha-dō-ˌbäks 
-də-ˌbäks
shadowboxed; shadowboxing; shadowboxes
: to box with an imaginary opponent especially as a form of training
: a shallow enclosing case usually with a glass front in which something is set for protection and display
Examples of shadowbox in a Sentence
Verb
He was shadowboxing to stay in shape.
Recent Examples on the Web
Larry Fitzmaurice, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024
Although Tokyo and Beijing have been shadowboxing over the territory for years, the standoff reached a new low in the fall, when the Japanese government nationalized some of the islands by purchasing them from a private owner.
—Allen Carlson, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2013
Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2024
Rubenstein suggests taking a hair clipping for a shadow box, or using ink or paint to make an impression of your pet’s nose or paws.
—Simmone Shah, TIME, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for shadowbox 
Verb
In the course of the same afternoon, Larry and Lewis wind up debating the relative attractiveness of penises, shadowboxing with a demanding blind man, and besmirching a restaurant captain who felt entitled to his own gratuity.
—Larry Fitzmaurice, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024
Although Tokyo and Beijing have been shadowboxing over the territory for years, the standoff reached a new low in the fall, when the Japanese government nationalized some of the islands by purchasing them from a private owner.
—Allen Carlson, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2013
Noun
If your item is thick, consider using a shadow box to display the item.
—Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2024
Rubenstein suggests taking a hair clipping for a shadow box, or using ink or paint to make an impression of your pet’s nose or paws.
—Simmone Shah, TIME, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for shadowbox
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shadowbox.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Shadowbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadowbox. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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shadowbox
verb
shad·ow·box
ˈshad-ō-ˌbäks
: to box with an imaginary opponent as a form of training
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