noun Uncommon
dukes
Dukes (noun) means (slang) Fists, especially when raised to fight. Example: “He put up his dukes and squared off against the bully.”
noun
1
(slang) Fists, especially when raised to fight.
"He put up his dukes and squared off against the bully."
How to use dukes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlang for fists, used mainly in the set phrase "put up your dukes."
When to use it
Informal and somewhat dated/theatrical.
Common pairings
put up your dukes
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He put up his _____ and squared off against the bully.
Frequently asked questions
What does “dukes” mean?
The word “dukes” means (slang) Fists, especially when raised to fight. In plain terms, slang for fists, used mainly in the set phrase "put up your dukes.".
How do you use “dukes” in a sentence?
Here is “dukes” used in a sentence: “He put up his dukes and squared off against the bully.”
What part of speech is “dukes”?
“Dukes” is a noun.
Is “dukes” a common word?
“Dukes” is an uncommon word in modern English.