shadowbox

1 of 2

verb

shad·​ow·​box ˈsha-dō-ˌbäks 

-də-ˌbäks

shadowboxed; shadowboxing; shadowboxes

intransitive verb

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

shadow box

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Verb

But both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are shadowboxing, pulling back from direct conflict between the two $2 trillion economies inextricably linked to — and forced to negotiate with — the $30 trillion behemoth. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024

Here again, Shugart shadowboxes with my diction rather than my analysis. —Thomas Shugart, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2021

Noun

Some may take the day to create a shadow box or wear jewelry engraved with their child’s name. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Some find comfort in the museum’s Gallery of Honor — a room with 168 shadow boxes with personal items that belonged to each victim. —Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1924, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shadowbox

• aftershocks
• chatterbox
• equinox
• goldilocks
• hollyhocks
• interlocks
• orthodox
• paradox
• tomahawks
• balks
• blocks
• blocs

Kids Definition

shadowbox

verb

shad·​ow·​box ˈshad-ō-ˌbäks 

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