boxe
/bɔks/feminine
The French word for boxing is boxe. Wiktionary also lists pugilat.
Meaning: the sport of boxing (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| boxe | /bɔks/ | feminine |
| pugilat | /py.ʒi.la/ | masculine |
The word refers to the sport of boxing.
Which one should you use?
boxe is the common term for the sport, whereas pugilat is a formal or technical term for the sport of pugilism.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb meaning 'to box' is boxer, while the noun for the sport is boxe.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔks/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word boxer to refer to the sport. However, in French, boxer is the verb 'to box' and boxe is the noun for the sport.
Did you know?
- While boxe is the general term, the French distinguish between boxe anglaise for boxing and boxe française for savate, a unique style of kickboxing.
- The word boxe is a pseudo-anglicism, meaning it was adopted from the English word 'boxing'.
- In French, the word boxeur describes the athlete, but it can also refer to the specific breed of dog known as a Boxer.
Examples in context
- La boxe est ennuyante.Boxing is boring.This sentence is useful for describing a feeling about boxe.Tatoeba #6400179 by Aiji, translation #4496139 by CK
- J'aime la boxe.I like boxing.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for boxe.Tatoeba #6161604 by felix63, translation #6164860 by jayrod84
- J'aime les sports comme la boxe et le hockey.I like such sports as boxing and hockey.This sentence is useful for listing boxe among other sports.Tatoeba #513960 by SUZIE, translation #33582 by SUZIE
- Lors de notre réunion formelle, nous discuterons des règles de la boxe.During our formal meeting, we will discuss the rules of boxing.
- J'admire les athlètes de la boxe pour leur technique et leur maîtrise.I admire boxing athletes for their technique and mastery.
- On se retrouve souvent pour regarder des combats de boxe ensemble.We often get together to watch boxing matches.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que tu fais de la boxe ?Lucas, do you do boxing?
- LucasNon, je préfère le tennis, et toi Emma ?No, I prefer tennis, and you Emma?
- EmmaMoi, je fais de la boxe le lundi.As for me, I do boxing on Mondays.
- LucasC'est impressionnant, tu es très courageuse !That is impressive, you are very brave!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boxing” translations and entries boxe, pugilat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boxe, pugilat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
