Bout - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A bout is a short period of intense activity or a contest, such as a boxing match or an illness. It can also refer to a brief experience of something, like a bout of laughter.
Definition:
A short period of intense activity or illness; a contest or match.
Synonyms:
spell, session, match, round, fight
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
peace, truce
Common Collocations:
boxing bout, bout of flu, drinking bout, wrestling bout, shopping bout
Derivatives:
bouts (plural), bouted (rare past tense)
Usage Tips:
Use "bout" for short events like fights or illnesses; avoid for long durations.
Common Phrases:
bout of laughter, bout of sickness, in the bout of
Etymology:
From Old English *būtan*, meaning "outside" or "without," later evolving to mean a turn or round in contests.
Examples:
- 1. She had a brief bout of coughing during the meeting.
- 2. The boxer won his final bout with a knockout punch.
- 3. After a shopping bout, she returned home exhausted but happy.
- 4. He suffered a severe bout of flu last winter.