battle royal

See also: battle-royal

English

Alternative forms

• battle-royal
• battle-royale
• battle royale

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌbætl̩ ɹɔɪˈæl/

Noun

battle royal (plural battles royal or battle royals)

1. A fight involving three or more individuals, teams, or factions; fought until one person, team, or faction is left standing.
   • 1952, Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man, Penguin Books (2014), page 17:

     I was told that since I was to be there anyway I might as well take part in the battle royal to be fought by some of my schoolmates as part of the entertainment.

2. A heated discussion or debate.