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tug-of-war

noun
\ ˌtəg-ə(v)-ˈwȯr How to pronounce tug-of-war (audio) \
plural tugs-of-war

Definition of tug-of-war

1 : a struggle for supremacy or control usually involving two antagonists
2 : a contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope with the object of pulling the middle of the rope over a mark on the ground

First Known Use of tug-of-war

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for tug-of-war

tug-of-war

noun
How to pronounce tug-of-war (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tug-of-war

: a contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope
: a struggle between two people or groups to win control or possession of something

See the full definition for tug-of-war in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tug-of-war

noun
\ ˌtəg-əv-ˈwȯr\
plural tugs-of-war

Kids Definition of tug-of-war

1 : a contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope
2 : a struggle to win The racers were in a tug-of-war for the championship.

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