shadowbox

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

|Updated on: 21 Jul 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

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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

Not after Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis spent 15 minutes shadowboxing in one of the most bizarre (and boring) UFC fights in the 25-year history of the company.

— steven ruiz, For The Win, "Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar cut cringy promo for a fight we don't need," 8 July 2018
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

Brazeau, who grew up in Winsted, now has the shadow box in his home in Georgia.

— courant.com, "WWII Veteran John Canty Of Winsted Buried at Arlington," 10 July 2018
The guides advised us to shadow box as a way to warm the chilly water that crept into our wetsuits.

— rick warner, BostonGlobe.com, "Trying out all the adventures Australia and New Zealand have to offer," 12 June 2018
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

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.