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
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
Off stage, Benedick and Beatrice spar their way toward the aisle, while our bumbling constables take center stage.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The shutdown remained in effect Friday as congressional Democrats and Republicans continued to spar over reforms to federal immigration enforcement agencies, which are also part of DHS.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 15 Aug. 2025
As America and China spar over the ports that sit on both sides of the Panama Canal, the waterway’s operator wants to enter the ports business on its own.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spar
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Noun
The two no longer spar on air, so expect mirth rather than rancor at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
Off stage, Benedick and Beatrice spar their way toward the aisle, while our bumbling constables take center stage.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
The attorney for the UF chapter is Anthony Sabatini, a former Republican state lawmaker known for sparring with members of his own party.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The shutdown remained in effect Friday as congressional Democrats and Republicans continued to spar over reforms to federal immigration enforcement agencies, which are also part of DHS.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
Rudy and Leo spar back and forth about who’s not treated equally under the law — Rudy proposes victims of domestic violence; Leo shoots that down — and when the dust settles?
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 15 Aug. 2025
As America and China spar over the ports that sit on both sides of the Panama Canal, the waterway’s operator wants to enter the ports business on its own.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spar
Cite this Entry
“Spar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spar. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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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