What does wresting mean?
Wrestling is the name of a combat sport in which opponents grapple, using grips, throws, and controlled force to gain advantage over one another. The activity has formal rules and objectives that may include taking an opponent down, escaping a hold, or gaining submission. As a gerund, wrestling can also function as a verb: the phrase 'wrestling with a problem' means struggling to understand, solve, or manage something difficult. This figurative use is common in journalism, politics, education, and everyday discussion, and often conveys persistence rather than literal physical force. The literal sense carries associations of strength, control, and close physical engagement, while the figurative sense suggests a problem that does not yield easily. Wrestlers commonly compete in styles such as freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, although the word is not restricted to competitive matches and can describe informal grappling. The term is used in British and American English without a major regional difference and is normally treated as an uncountable noun.
The combat sport or activity of grappling with an opponent, normally using grips, throws, and controlled force under a defined set of rules. By extension, it can denote a persistent struggle with a difficult person, problem, or issue.
"She had been studying the forms of wrestling used in the tournament."
The activity is usually treated as an uncountable noun; the plural 'wrestlings' is rare.
The present participle of wrestle: engaging in physical combat or grappling, especially in a wrestling match. Figuratively, it means struggling persistently with a problem or difficult opponent.
"The two athletes were still wrestling near the edge of the mat."
Most often used in progressive constructions. The figurative sense commonly occurs with 'with,' as in 'wrestling with an issue.'
Rare and uncommon; 'wrestling' is normally uncountable when referring to the sport or activity.
"The tournament schedule included three championship wrestlings."
Wrestling is one of the world's oldest combat sports, with forms practiced in both ancient and modern Olympic competition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wresting
Wrestling is formed from wrestle with the English present-participle suffix -ing. The older verb goes back to Old English wræstan, meaning 'to twist, pull, or wring,' and belongs to a Germanic vocabulary concerned with turning, pulling, and wringing. Related forms include wrest and wrester, while wrestling preserves the same root in a modern gerund ending.
Related word forms
How wresting is actually used
The noun is normally uncountable when referring to the sport or activity. As a verb, wrestling is commonly used in progressive constructions and in figurative expressions such as 'wrestling with' a problem.
Easily confused with wresting
Wrestling means grappling or struggling, whereas resting means taking rest or remaining inactive.