1
: a stout pole
2
a
: a stout rounded usually wood or metal piece (such as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging
b
: any of the main longitudinal members of the wing of an airplane that carry the ribs
sparred; sparring
1
a
: box entry 3
especially
: to gesture without landing a blow to draw one's opponent or create an opening
b
: to engage in a practice or exhibition bout of boxing
3
: to strike or fight with feet or spurs in the manner of a gamecock
: any of various nonmetallic usually cleavable and lustrous minerals
Examples of spar in a Sentence
Verb
He's been sparring with his trainer.
They sparred playfully over whose team was better.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2024
In the mayor's race, Aly Cline and Kevin Sartor sparred over ethics.
—Sean Holstege, The Arizona Republic, 30 July 2024
Rawlinson is a former Tesla VP and engineer but in recent years has sparred with his former employer.
—Ben Geman, Axios, 29 July 2024
Outspoken Donald Trump critic Robert DeNiro — who had sparred with Trump’s supporters outside a Manhattan courthouse in May — declared his support and admiration for Biden’s decision.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for spar 
Verb
Ford has repeatedly sparred with Price over the years, having even appeared at a rally last year on the steps of the René C. Davidson Courthouse in downtown Oakland while calling for her to be recalled from office.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2024
In the mayor's race, Aly Cline and Kevin Sartor sparred over ethics.
—Sean Holstege, The Arizona Republic, 30 July 2024
Rawlinson is a former Tesla VP and engineer but in recent years has sparred with his former employer.
—Ben Geman, Axios, 29 July 2024
Outspoken Donald Trump critic Robert DeNiro — who had sparred with Trump’s supporters outside a Manhattan courthouse in May — declared his support and admiration for Biden’s decision.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for spar
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near spar
Cite this Entry
“Spar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spar. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spar
1 of 2 noun1
: a stout pole
2
: a long rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, or yard) to which a sail is fastened
spar
2 of 2 verb
sparred; sparring
1
: to box or make boxing movements with the fists for practice or in fun
Etymology
Noun
Middle English sparre "a stout pole, a pole used to support a sail on a ship"
Verb
Middle English sparren "to dart, spring"
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