Wrestling Meaning and Definition
Wrestling
Pronunciation
/ˈrɛstlɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A competitive contact sport in which two participants, known as wrestlers, engage in a physical contest with the objective of pinning the opponent’s shoulders to the mat or scoring more points than the opponent within a set time limit.
Examples
- The wrestling match was intense and lasted until the final minute.
- John was a skilled wrestler and won several regional championships.
Synonyms
- Wrestle
- Grapple
- Mat
Antonyms
- Cooperate
- Teamwork
Etymology
Derived from Old English ‘wrascian’ meaning ‘to wrestle’, from Proto-Germanic ‘wresiz’, likely imitative of the sounds of wrestling.
Usage Notes
Usage of the term ‘wrestling’ is typically reserved for professional or collegiate competitions, while ‘wrestle’ is used in broader contexts such as casual matches or exercises.
Cultural References
Wrestling has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games, including the popular WWE franchise.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Get a grip, wrestle with, in the ring, take it to the mat
Related Words or Phrases
- Match
- Mat
- Hold
Collocations
Wrestling with challenges, in the ring, on the mat
Frequency of Use
The term ‘wrestling’ is relatively common in modern English, especially in the context of professional or collegiate competitions.
Common Misspellings
- Wrestler
- Wresttel