noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
UK, US:/ˈɹaɪ.vəl.ɹi/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:R AY1 V AH0 L R IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
An ongoing relationship between (usually two) rivals who compete for superiority.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The Boston Bruins have a longstanding rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens.
James and Polly have a bitter rivalry due to the latter's inclusion in the Tea Time Teaser.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: contention
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The characteristic of being a rivalrous good, such that it can be consumed or used by only one person at a time.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: economics, sciences
Examples
Common goods are those which are rivalrous in consumption but non-excludable
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
Any competition between two or more things or factors.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Binocular rivalry is a visual phenomenon in which perception alternates between different images presented to each eye.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
the act of competing as for profit or a prize
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
the teams were in fierce contention for first place
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: competition, contention
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: group action
Narrower terms: contest
History
Etymology
Etymology tree English rival Middle English -re,-ri,-rie,-ry,-rye English -ry English rivalry From rival + -ry.
Across languages
Translations
45 source translations are retained for this English entry.
