shadowbox

1 of 2

verb

shad·​ow·​box ˈsha-dō-ˌbäks How to pronounce shadowbox (audio)
-də-ˌbäks
shadowboxed; shadowboxing; shadowboxes

intransitive verb

: to box with an imaginary opponent especially as a form of training

shadow box

2 of 2

noun

: a shallow enclosing case usually with a glass front in which something is set for protection and display

Examples of shadowbox in a Sentence

Verb He was shadowboxing to stay in shape.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Some of the storylines are directly set in motion by what Sauron is doing, but some of them are people shadowboxing their own fears — which is also set in motion by Sauron. EW.com, 6 Aug. 2024 In the course of the same afternoon, Larry and Lewis wind up debating the relative attractiveness of penises, shadowboxing with a demanding blind man, and besmirching a restaurant captain who felt entitled to his own gratuity. Larry Fitzmaurice, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024
Noun
Display letterman jackets, hats, jerseys, and other special clothing items in shadow boxes to showcase your history and personality. Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2024 If your item is thick, consider using a shadow box to display the item. Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for shadowbox 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shadowbox.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1924, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shadowbox was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near shadowbox

Cite this Entry

“Shadowbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadowbox. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

shadowbox

verb
shad·​ow·​box ˈshad-ō-ˌbäks How to pronounce shadowbox (audio)
: to box with an imaginary opponent as a form of training
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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