volley

[ vol-ee ]

noun

, plural vol·leys.

1. the simultaneous discharge of a number of missiles or firearms.
2. the missiles so discharged.
3. a burst or outpouring of many things at once or in quick succession:

   a volley of protests.

4. Tennis.
   1. the flight of the ball before it hits the ground.
   2. the return of the ball before it hits the ground.
5. Soccer. a kick of the ball before it bounces on the ground.
6. Cricket. a ball so bowled that it hits the wicket before it touches the ground.
7. Mining. the explosion of several charges at one time.

verb (used with object)

, vol·leyed, vol·ley·ing.

1. to discharge in or as in a volley.
2. Tennis. to return (the ball) before it hits the ground.
3. Soccer. to kick (the ball) before it bounces on the ground.
4. Cricket. to bowl (a ball) in such a manner that it is pitched near the top of the wicket.

verb (used without object)

, vol·leyed, vol·ley·ing.

1. to fly or be discharged together, as missiles.
2. to move or proceed with great rapidity, as in a volley.
3. to fire a volley; sound together, as firearms.
4. Tennis, Soccer. to return the ball before it touches the ground.

volley

/ ˈvɒlɪ /

noun

1. the simultaneous discharge of several weapons, esp firearms
2. the projectiles or missiles so discharged
3. a burst of oaths, protests, etc, occurring simultaneously or in rapid succession
4. sport a stroke, shot, or kick at a moving ball before it hits the ground Compare half volley
5. cricket the flight of such a ball or the ball itself
6. the simultaneous explosion of several blastings of rock

verb

1. to discharge (weapons, etc) in or as if in a volley or (of weapons, etc) to be discharged
2. tr to utter vehemently or sound loudly and continuously
3. tr sport to strike or kick (a moving ball) before it hits the ground
4. intr to issue or move rapidly or indiscriminately

Derived Forms

• ˈvolleyer, noun

Other Words From

• volley·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of volley¹

1565–75; < Middle French volee flight, noun use of feminine past participle of voler to fly < Latin volāre

Word History and Origins

Origin of volley¹

C16: from French volée a flight, from voler to fly, from Latin volāre

Example Sentences

The dysfunction at the heart of United’s recruitment strategy played out in front of their very eyes in the performance of Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, the game’s outstanding performer who deservedly scored their equaliser with a crisp volley from the edge of the area four minutes after Fernandes struck from the spot.

From BBC

Erling Haaland's "unorthodox" backheel volley doubles Manchester City's lead in the 58th minute of their match week three tie in the Champions League against Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium.

From BBC

His goal against Sparta Prague on Wednesday was as he was facing the wrong direction, but somehow managed to twist and produce enough power with his backheel volley to score.

From BBC

With Savinho's cross coming towards him at a slightly awkward height and angle, Haaland - without looking - turned his back to the goal and produced a superb backheel volley to make it 2-0.

From BBC

But that, as brilliant as it was, was a volley scored when he was facing towards the net.

From BBC

Related Words

• burst
• crossfire
• firing
• gunfire
• salvo