1. plural of dueling; contests or fights between two people, typically with weapons, to settle a dispute or defend honor
Usage: often historical or literary context; can refer to formal sword or pistol fights
2. plural of dueling; intense competitions or confrontations between two rivals or opponents
Usage: figurative use; modern context

Examples

• Historical accounts describe numerous duelings among European nobility in the 18th century.
• The two chess masters engaged in several duelings that captivated audiences worldwide.
• Duelings with swords were once a common way to settle disputes among gentlemen.
• The political duelings between the candidates grew increasingly heated as election day approached.
• Medieval knights participated in duelings to prove their valor and skill.
• Modern duelings in the business world often take the form of corporate takeover battles.