English · Word Candidate

duel

/ˈˈd͡ʒuːəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: duels · dueling · duelling · dueled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Arranged, regular combat between two private persons, often over a matter of honor.

Noun

Examples

I have often thought since, how different my fate might have been, had I not fallen in love with Nora at that early age; and had I not flung the wine in Quin’s face, and so brought on the duel.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Historically, the wager of battle (judicial combat).

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To engage in a battle.

Verb

Examples

The two dogs were duelling for the bone.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “duel” mean?

Arranged, regular combat between two private persons, often over a matter of honor.

Is “duel” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.