bout

Bout is a noun with several related meanings in English. It can denote a short period of intense activity or effort, a single episode of illness or symptoms, or a formal contest in combat sports such as boxing or wrestling. The sense varies by context, but all usages share an idea of a limited duration or occurrence.

As a period of activity, a bout describes a burst of effort or a stop-and-go phase of doing something for a limited time. For example, one might say a person had a bout of cleaning or experienced a bout of energy after a rest. In medical language, a bout often refers to a discrete episode of symptoms, such as a bout of coughing or a fever.

In sports, a bout is a scheduled contest or match between two competitors, especially in boxing or wrestling. A title bout refers to a championship match, while a non-title bout is a contest without a championship at stake. The term emphasizes the formal, timed nature of the competition rather than its duration or intensity.

In everyday use, bout conveys the idea of a temporary phase rather than a long-term condition. Phrases like “a bout of illness” or “a bout of laughter” illustrate its flexible application across different situations, always signaling a bounded occurrence.

Origin and usage notes: The word dates from Middle English and has broadened over time to cover periods of activity, illness episodes, and sporting contests. It remains common in both casual language and specialized sports vocabulary.