ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sumo

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsumoʊ// UK //sˈuːməʊ// sumo Informal Slang

n. a traditional Japanese style of wrestling where two very large men try to push each other out of a ring. The winner is the one who stays in the circle or keeps their feet on the ground.

n. a traditional Japanese form of heavyweight wrestling in which a contestant is defeated if they are forced out of the ring or if any part of their body besides the soles of their feet touches the ground.


SIMPLE

We watched a sumo match on television last night.

CONTEXTUAL

Professional sumo wrestlers follow a strict lifestyle and diet to maintain the high body mass required for the sport.

COMPLEX

While often viewed by outsiders simply as a test of strength, sumo is deeply rooted in Shinto ritual and requires immense technical precision to execute effective throws and shoves.

Usage

Usually functions as an uncountable noun referring to the sport itself; can be used as a modifier in phrases like 'sumo wrestler' or 'sumo match'.

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