bout

noun

ˈbau̇t 

: a spell or period of activity: such as

a

: an athletic match (as of boxing)

lost his bout with the champion

b

: outbreak, attack

a bout of pneumonia

frequent bouts of depression

survived her bout with cancer

c

: session

a drinking bout

a bout of unemployment

Synonyms of bout

• tournament
• competition
• event
• game
• match
• contest

Examples of bout in a Sentence

undoubtedly the team's best wrestler, he hasn't lost a bout yet

she's currently suffering from a bout of the flu

Recent Examples on the Web

Several states, primarily in the Midwest and on the East Coast, have reported thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic disease that can cause an extended bout of debilitating diarrhea. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Though cyclosporiasis can cause severe dehydration because of its association with prolonged bouts of diarrhea and nausea, it is not considered a life-threatening illness. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Balancing pregnancy, her children, and a packed work schedule paired with severe bouts of nausea has made adhering to a strict schedule complex for the artist, who is used to being on the go. — Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026

In the evening’s main event, McGregor faces ex-UFC featherweight titleholder Max Holloway in a rematch of their 2013 bout at 145 pounds. — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

English dialect, a trip going and returning in plowing, from Middle English bought bend

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bout

• clout
• doubt
• drought
• flout
• gout
• grout
• kraut
• lout
• out
• pout
• rout
• scout

Kids Definition

bout

noun

ˈbau̇t 

1

: a spell of activity

nonstop bout of reading

2

: an athletic match

wrestling bout

3

: attack entry 2 sense 3

a bout of measles