dogfight

noun

dog·​fight ˈdȯg-ˌfīt How to pronounce dogfight (audio)
1
: a fight between dogs
broadly : a fiercely disputed contest
2
: a fight between two or more fighter planes usually at close quarters
dogfight intransitive verb
dogfighter noun

Examples of dogfight in a Sentence

He was shot down in a dogfight over enemy territory. The election has turned into a real dogfight.
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.
The increased speed will translate into greater payload capacity, as well as the ability to choose to intercept or run in a dogfight. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 In what should be another dogfight that isn't decided until the final minutes, give me the Knicks to grind out a road win that moves them one step closer to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025 There are other distinctions between the recurring Greek-Turkish mock dogfights and any potential Israeli-Turkish ones. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 About 48 people have been killed since Wednesday, and the two countries also engaged in one of the largest aerial dogfights since World War II involving 125 fighter jets on Thursday. Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dogfight

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dogfight was circa 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Dogfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dogfight. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

dogfight

noun
dog·​fight -ˌfīt How to pronounce dogfight (audio)
: a fight at close range between fighter planes
dogfight verb
dogfighter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dogfight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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