noun
pugilist
Pugilist (noun) means a person who fights using their fists, especially a professional boxer.
noun
1
A person who fights using their fists, especially a professional boxer.
"In 1925, boxer shorts were unleashed on the world: loose-fitting underwear for men, featuring an elastic waistband inspired by the shorts worn by boxers. It was underwear for the inner pugilist."
— Alan Burdick, Science has Resolved the Question of Boxers vs. Briefs (2018)
2
A person who argues aggressively, either for themselves or on someone else's behalf.
"President Nixon tried to make leaders of communist bloc countries believe he was a volatile, irrational pugilist."
— Laurent Belsie, Why Trump’s ‘madman theory’ tactics could run aground amid trade reversals (2025)
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Etymology
Formed from Latin pugil (“boxer”) and -ist, related to pugnus (“fist”), from Proto-Indo-European *pewǵ- (“prick, punch”). Compare the contemporary word pugilism (“boxing”), from 1791.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of pugilist?
"pugilist" (noun) means a person who fights using their fists, especially a professional boxer.
What is another word for pugilist?
Other words for "pugilist" include pug, boxer.
What are the different meanings of pugilist?
"pugilist" has 2 main meanings: 1. A person who fights using their fists, especially a professional boxer; 2. A person who argues aggressively, either for themselves or on someone else's behalf.
