grappling

1 of 2

noun

grap·​pling ˈgra-p(ə-)liŋ 

1

: grapnel

2

: grappling hook

grappling

2 of 2

present participle of grapple entry 2

Examples of grappling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a chaotic finale Haaland was booked for grappling with Pablo Rosario (who was also cautioned) and Costa denied Fernandez with a superb save. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Much of the nearly three-hour documentary shows Fielder grappling with whether to take Holmes’ words to him at face value. — Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

For me, as a child grappling with loss, my imagination became my escape from a world that was riddled with confusion and injustice. — Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing grappling

• grappling hook

Rhymes for grappling

• sapling