Pronunciation: [bˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The word "bout" is spelled as /baʊt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is a noun that means a short period of intense activity or a particular instance of something. The spelling "bout" is derived from the French language and entered English in the 16th century. Originally, it was spelled as "boughte" and meant a turn, both in terms of direction and in games. Over time, the spelling was simplified to "bout," but the meaning remains the same.
A bout is a noun that refers to a short period or session of intense activity, often used in the context of sports, contests, or wrestling matches. It can also describe a brief period of specific behavior or activity.
In sports, a bout usually signifies a single competition or event, particularly in activities such as boxing, wrestling, or fencing. It typically involves two individuals or teams engaging in a match or contest, usually with certain conditions or rules in place. The term is commonly associated with combat sports, where opponents face each other in a series of rounds, aiming to defeat the other by displaying skill, strength, and strategy.
Outside of sports, a bout can be used to describe a short period of intense activity or involvement in a particular behavior. For instance, someone might have a bout of laughter, coughing, sneezing, or even a bout of fever. It implies a temporary but noticeable occurrence.
The term "bout" can also be employed metaphorically to depict a temporary phase or surge in any aspect of life, such as a bout of productivity, creativity, enthusiasm, or even a bout of bad luck or depression.
In summary, a bout usually signifies a brief, intense period of activity, enthusiasm, or competition, shaping its usage within the realms of sports, specific behaviors, or metaphorical situations.
As much as can be done at one turn; an attempt; a drinking-match; a debauch.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bout" primarily originated from French, ultimately derived from the Old French verb "bouter", which means "to strike" or "to push". In Middle English, it transformed into "bute", referring to a blow or strike in combat. Over time, "bout" took on the meaning of a contest, match, or fight. Today, it is commonly used to describe a short period or episode of an activity, such as a bout of illness or a bout of shopping.
