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

The Brazilian scored an early takedown and sought to keep the champion on the mat, attempting to turn the fight into a grappling and ground-and-pound battle. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Even with new rules designed to clamp down on the physical grappling that has helped make inswinging deliveries so effective, teams are not turning to alternatives. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 14 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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing grappling

• grappling hook

Rhymes for grappling

• sapling