fighting

1 of 2

adjective

fight·​ing ˈfī-tiŋ How to pronounce fighting (audio)
Synonyms of fightingnext
1
: designed, intended, or trained to fight in combat
a fighting ship
a powerful fighting force
fighting men
2
: fit to fight
a boxer in fighting condition
3
: having or showing a readiness to fight : aggressive
What he does is break down the fighting spirit, not to mention the bodies, of his opponents.—The New York Times
see also fighting chance, fighting word

fighting

2 of 2

present participle of fight entry 1

Examples of fighting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
After having two children and settling into post-fighting life on her farm in Riverside, Rousey seriously began to consider an MMA return last year. — CBS News, 17 May 2026 Speaking ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Johnson told the BBC that the troops should be sent to peaceful regions in non-fighting roles. — ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026 But this story isn’t just for pro-fighting fans. — Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025 Some had joined Ukrainian combat units as volunteers, while others have sought to assist the Ukrainian people in non-fighting capacities. — Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2023 But the computer model couldn’t distinguish fighting roosters from non-fighting roosters. — Jeff Horwitz, WSJ, 17 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fighting was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing fighting

Rhymes for fighting

See All Rhymes for fighting

Browse Nearby Words

fight game
fighting
fighting chair
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Cite this Entry

“Fighting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fighting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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