shadowbox

1 of 2

verb

shad·​ow·​box ˈsha-dō-ˌbäks How to pronounce shadowbox (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
His leadership and upbeat energy have been part of each practice, from shadowboxing Parsons to yelling at the offense and coaching up defenders. Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 31 July 2024 Some of the storylines are directly set in motion by what Sauron is doing, but some of them are people shadowboxing their own fears — which is also set in motion by Sauron. EW.com, 6 Aug. 2024
Noun
For years, Collins and her husband brought shadow boxes — their mobile museum — to schools and community events. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 Collins, 73, a retired preschool teacher, creates the dioramas, making and arranging miniatures within shadow boxes made by her husband, Eddie Lewis. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shadowbox 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1924, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shadowbox was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near shadowbox

shadow blue

shadowbox

shadow box

Cite this Entry

“Shadowbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadowbox. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

shadowbox

verb
shad·​ow·​box ˈshad-ō-ˌbäks How to pronounce shadowbox (audio)
: to box with an imaginary opponent as a form of training
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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