1. the practice of boxing against an imaginary opponent as a form of training
Usage: sports
2. fighting against an imaginary enemy or engaging in futile activity
Usage: figurative

1. to practice boxing against an imaginary opponent
Usage: sports
2. to fight against an imaginary enemy or engage in futile activity
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The boxer spent twenty minutes shadowboxing before the match.
• She practiced her footwork while shadowboxing in front of the mirror.
• The politician was just shadowboxing with critics who weren’t even present.
• He’s shadowboxing against problems that don’t really exist.
• The gym had a dedicated area for shadowboxing and stretching.
• Stop shadowboxing and address the real issues at hand.