bullfight

noun

bull·​fight ˈbu̇l-ˌfīt How to pronounce bullfight (audio)
 also  ˈbəl-
: a spectacle in which men ceremonially fight with and in Hispanic tradition kill bulls in an arena for public entertainment
bullfighter
ˈbu̇l-ˌfī-tər How to pronounce bullfight (audio)
 also  ˈbəl-
noun

Examples of bullfight 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.
After the decision was overturned, Mexico City's 2024 nine-day bullfight season saw a total of 54 bulls killed, per the release. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Mexico’s first recorded bullfight was in 1526, and over 300 bullfighting plazas remain. James Wagner, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025 Mexico City's Congress has voted to ban traditional bullfights. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 According to Humane World for Animals Mexico, approximately 180,000 bulls are killed in bullfights annually around the world. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bullfight

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullfight was in 1788

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Cite this Entry

“Bullfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullfight. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

bullfight

noun
bull·​fight ˈbu̇l-ˌfīt How to pronounce bullfight (audio)
: a public entertainment in which people excite bulls, display daring in escaping their charges, and finally kill them
bullfighter noun
bullfighting noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bullfight

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