bout

bout · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A short period of intense activity or illness.

  2. 2.

    A boxing or wrestling match.

  3. 3.

    A spell of doing something, especially drinking.

Forms

plural: bouts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bout of — a period of (illness, activity)
  • •
    drinking bout — a period of heavy drinking

Related words

See also: match, round, spell
Synonyms: attack, match, round, spell

Etymology

From Middle English "bought" (a bending, turn), related to "bow" (to bend). The sense evolved from "a turn at doing something" to "a period of activity."