# dogfight

/ˈdɑɡˌfaɪt/ (US) · /dˈɒɡfaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dogfight
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a close fight between fighter planes in the sky, where each pilot tries to shoot down the other. You also use it for any fierce, close contest, like in sports or an election.

For teachers: close-range aerial combat between fighter aircraft, involving aggressive manoeuvring to gain firing position. Extended metaphorically to any fiercely contested struggle or rivalry.

## Examples

- Two fighter jets engage in a fierce dogfight.
- The film shows a dogfight over the Pacific, with pilots twisting and diving to get behind the enemy.
- What began as a routine patrol escalated into a swirling dogfight that tested both pilots' nerve, fuel reserves, and mastery of their machines.

## Synonyms

battle, fight, combat

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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.