Battle/ˈbætl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Historical Events Often refers to significant or famous historical military engagements. The battle of Gettysburg was a turning point during the American Civil War. Pro Tip 2/3Physical Combat Implies physical violence between groups, within the context of military actions. The two armies will battle at dawn. Pro Tip 3/3Metaphoric Usage May be used metaphorically to describe a competitive event. The final match was a battle of wits between the two chess champions.