grappling

noun

grap·​pling ˈgra-p(ə-)liŋ 

1

: grapnel

2

: grappling hook

Examples of grappling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That film, about a Kosovan immigrant grappling with paranoia after a string of menacing events, was loosely inspired by the director’s own experience. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026

Dern’s ground game is unparalleled, evidenced by her numerous gold medals in international jiu-jitsu and submission grappling competitions before focusing on an MMA career in 2016. — Brian Martin, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2026

Five 17-year-old friends were killed when their vehicle plunged off a cliff and down a steep Colorado hillside, leaving their families and community grappling with an unimaginable loss just as a new school year begins. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Burke was not merely a rising star grappling with new fame, prosecutors contend, but a killer carrying a gruesome secret. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing grappling

• grappling hook

Rhymes for grappling

• sapling