cockfight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is illegal in most Western countries, including the UK, US (with some state-level exceptions historically), and across the EU. It remains legal and traditional in some parts of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands.

'Cockfight' is a noun referring to a single event or the practice in general. 'Cockfighting' is a gerund (verbal noun) used to describe the activity or practice, often in legal or descriptive contexts (e.g., 'the crime of cockfighting').

Use with caution. It is a vivid and aggressive metaphor suitable for strong rhetorical effect (e.g., in political commentary). In most academic or neutral business writing, a more standard term like 'fierce confrontation' or 'bitter rivalry' is preferable.

'Cock' is the traditional and standard English word for an adult male chicken (rooster). The slang meaning developed later. In compounds like 'cockfight', 'cockerel', 'cockatoo', or 'cockpit', the original avian meaning is clear and not considered vulgar.

A traditional blood sport in which two specially bred gamecocks (roosters) are placed in a pit to fight, often until one is killed or critically injured.

Cockfight: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkfaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkfaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.