wrestling

noun

wres·​tling ˈre-sliŋ 

ˈra-;

ˈre-sᵊl-iŋ,

ˈra-

: a sport or contest in which two unarmed individuals struggle hand to hand with each attempting to subdue or unbalance the other

Examples of wrestling in a Sentence

My favorite sport is wrestling.

He was on the wrestling team in high school.

Recent Examples on the Web

Linda McMahon, Trump’s education secretary, spent decades in the wrestling industry as co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, which is known for its theatrics. —Michael Collins, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

The public relations wrestling match over Sandy Cay risks further stoking long-running tensions between the Philippines and China. —Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

The prospect of a Lucha Bros reunion within WWE's tag team division has been a topic of considerable interest among wrestling enthusiasts. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

Fairchild has a wrestling background and mauler mentality. —Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wrestling

• arm wrestling
• Indian wrestling
• wrist wrestling

Kids Definition

wrestling

noun

wres·​tling ˈres-liŋ 

: the sport in which two contestants wrestle each other