# boxer

/ˈbɑksɝ/ (US) · /bˈɒksɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boxer
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a fighter

noun · CEFR A2

a person who takes part in the sport of boxing.

For teachers: a combatant who participates in the sport of boxing, typically professionally or in amateur competition.

- The boxer trained for months before his first professional match.
- The heavyweight boxer demonstrated remarkable footwork, dodging his opponent's jabs with a grace that belied his massive frame.

### 2. a breed of dog

noun · CEFR B1

a medium-sized dog with short hair and a strong, square face.

For teachers: a breed of stocky, short-haired dog of the mastiff type, characterized by a broad, blunt muzzle and a powerful build.

- Our neighbor has a friendly boxer that loves to play in the park.
- Known for their energetic temperament and protective nature, the boxer remains one of the most popular breeds for active families.

### 3. underwear

noun · CEFR B1

loose underwear for men that looks like short trousers.

For teachers: a style of loose-fitting men's underpants, typically with an elastic waistband, modeled after the shorts worn by pugilists.

- He prefers wearing boxers because they are more comfortable than tight underwear.
- The department store offers a wide variety of cotton boxers in various patterns and colors.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'boxers'.

### 4. historical rebel

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a member of a Chinese group that fought against foreign influence around the year 1900.

For teachers: a member of the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists who participated in the anti-imperialist uprising in China between 1899 and 1901.

- The Boxer Rebellion was a significant event in the history of modern China.
- Historians continue to debate the complex motivations of the Boxers, whose primary goal was the expulsion of foreign powers and Christian missionaries.

### 5. engine type

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of engine where the parts move toward each other like two people boxing.

For teachers: a flat internal combustion engine with horizontally opposed cylinders.

- Some famous sports cars use a boxer engine for better balance.
- The boxer engine configuration allows for a lower center of gravity, significantly improving the vehicle's handling characteristics on tight corners.

## Examples

- The boxer trained hard for his next big fight.
- After twelve intense rounds, the judges declared the local boxer the winner by a narrow margin.
- The retired boxer spent his afternoons at the local gym, mentoring younger athletes on the importance of footwork and defensive positioning over raw power.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.