basketball

[ bas-kit-bawl, bah-skit- ]

noun

1. a game played by two teams of usually five players each on a rectangular court having a raised basket or goal at each end, points being scored by tossing the ball through the opponent's basket.
2. the round, inflated ball approximately 30 inches (76 centimeters) in circumference, used in this game.

basketball

/ ˈbɑːskɪtˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a game played by two opposing teams of five men (or six women) each, usually on an indoor court. Points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal metal hoop
2. the inflated ball used in this game

Other Words From

• pro·basket·ball adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of basketball¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; basket + ball ¹

Example Sentences

UCLA’s latest high school basketball signing class could make history.

From Los Angeles Times

He played football and baseball and was a top scorer on his district-champion basketball team and took his life lessons about the natural limits of the world from the challenges of managing crop rotations in the family fields near Saginaw Bay.

From Salon

He went pro as a boxer in 2020 and has since knocked out opponents such as former basketball player Nate Robinson.

From Los Angeles Times

Spotify will now offer seven video podcasts, including ‘Higher Learning,’ ‘Book of Basketball 2.0’ and ‘Fantasy Footballers.’

From Los Angeles Times

Girls basketball in Southern California has become all about Etiwanda High, the two-time defending state champion.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ball