WordGarden.iobout
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈaʊt/
US
- /ˈbaʊt/
Meanings
Noun
a short period or episode of illness, activity, or a condition
a contest or match, especially in boxing or wrestling
a period of heavy drinking or similar indulgence
Beyond the definition
A bout often means a short, intense period that starts and finishes quickly. It can be a sports contest, especially in boxing or wrestling, but in everyday English it also means a brief episode of something else—think a bout of flu, panic, or even laughter. The word carries the idea of a bounded span: noticeable, temporary, and often a bit intense.
The word bout describes a bounded, short-lived period of activity or an episode of a condition. In sport, it refers to a match or contest, usually in boxing, wrestling, or similar settings.
In general language, people most often use it for a brief run of something: a bout of flu, a bout of coughing, or a bout of laughter. You can also hear it used for emotions and behavior, though these are less common and often informal: a bout of anger, a bout of nerves, or a burst of creativity.
The key idea is not its permanence but its duration—an isolated stretch that is noticeable and temporary. So whether it's competitive sport, health, mood, or intensity in action, a bout is something that happens for a limited time and then passes.
Examples
- 1
Illness
She was off work for a week with a bout of flu.
- Patterna bout of + illness/feeling
a short period of it
- 2
Physical reaction
He had a sudden bout of coughing during the meeting.
- 3
Laughter
The photo triggered another bout of laughter around the table.
- 4
Self-doubt
After a long bout of self-doubt, she finally applied for the job.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Combat sports
The two fighters met in a ten-round bout on Saturday night.
- Domain
in boxing or wrestling, a bout is a match
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- boutnoun
Forms
- boutspluralnoun