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Definition of bearpit

bearpit

/ˈbɛə.pɪt/
bear · pit
Plural:bearpits
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bearpit Lexical Profile

bearpit Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A place or situation characterized by fierce, aggressive competition, rowdy confrontation, or chaotic argument.

Example

"The weekly parliamentary question session quickly descended into a noisy political bearpit."

2

A sunken enclosure or arena in which bears are kept on display or, historically, baited by dogs for public entertainment.

Example

"Archaeologists uncovered the timber foundations of a sixteenth-century bearpit near the south bank of the river."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

bearishly
bearishness
bearlike
bearpit
bearskin
beas
beast

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'bear' and 'pit', recorded from the late 16th century in reference to enclosed arenas used for the blood sport of bear-baiting in Elizabethan England.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bearpit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bearpit
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