bullfight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Neutral, but topic-specific. Used in formal descriptions of the event, in cultural discussions, and in metaphorical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “bullfight” mean?
A traditional public spectacle in which a bull is fought by a performer (matador) in a prescribed manner, often ending with the bull's death.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional public spectacle in which a bull is fought by a performer (matador) in a prescribed manner, often ending with the bull's death.
By extension, can refer to any fiercely combative or dangerous situation, especially one that is ceremonially confrontational.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use 'bullfight'. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Connotations are culturally determined rather than regionally. For most UK/US speakers, it evokes foreign culture, controversy, and animal welfare debates.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, appearing primarily in cultural, travel, or ethical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bullfight” in a Sentence
[verb] + bullfight: attend, watch, see, describe, oppose, ban[adjective] + bullfight: Spanish, traditional, controversial, gruesomeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bullfight” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He used to bullfight professionally, but now he campaigns against it. (Rare/awkward)
American English
- The documentary explored why people choose to bullfight. (Rare/awkward)
adjective
British English
- The bullfighting tradition is deeply rooted in the region's culture.
American English
- Bullfighting laws vary significantly from one country to another.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in tourism/travel industry contexts: 'The package includes tickets to a bullfight.'
Academic
Used in cultural studies, anthropology, ethics papers: 'The semiotics of the bullfight were analyzed.'
Everyday
In travel stories or discussions about animal rights: 'We saw a bullfight in Seville.'
Technical
Rare outside specific cultural or veterinary contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bullfight”
- Using 'bullfight' as a verb (to bullfight). While 'bullfighting' exists as a gerund/noun, the verb is rare and awkward. Preferred: 'to fight bulls' or 'to perform in a bullfight'.
- Misspelling as 'bull fight' (two words); standard is compound 'bullfight'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is banned in many countries and some regions of Spain, but remains legal in parts of Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
In most Portuguese bullfights, the bull is not killed in the arena, unlike in the traditional Spanish corrida.
It is grammatically possible but highly unusual and stylistically awkward. The activity is usually referred to as 'bullfighting' (noun) or 'to perform in a bullfight'.
'Tauromachy' is a formal, less common synonym derived from Greek, meaning 'bull-fighting'.
A traditional public spectacle in which a bull is fought by a performer (matador) in a prescribed manner, often ending with the bull's death.
Bullfight: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʊlfʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊlˌfaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a bullfight (used to describe a chaotic, tense, or ritualistically aggressive situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BULL FIGHT: Imagine a BULL in a FIGHT with a matador in a bright red cape.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BULLFIGHT: used to describe a tense, perilous struggle where one must face a powerful, charging opponent.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most closely associated with a 'bullfight'?