Basketball
/ˈbæskɪtˌbɔːl/
Definitions
2 meaningsA game played by two teams who try to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop.
/ˈbæskɪtˌbɔːl/
A team sport played with a ball
He's a talented basketball player.
💡 Simply: A game where you throw a ball into a hoop.
More Examples
The new basketball shoes are very comfortable.
How It's Used
"The basketball game went into overtime."
"Physical education class included basketball drills."
The spherical ball used in the game of basketball.
/ˈbæskɪtˌbɔːl/
The ball used in the sport
He dribbled the basketball down the court.
💡 Simply: The ball used in basketball.
How It's Used
"The basketball bounced off the rim."
Idioms & expressions
shoot hoops
To play basketball casually.
"Let's shoot hoops after school."
From "basket" and "ball", reflecting the game's core elements. The modern game originated in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the late 19th century.
The game's rules and popularity evolved significantly throughout the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a basket and a ball - that's what the game is all about!
Word Origin
"Combination of 'basket' and 'ball'"