volleyball

American  

[vol-ee-bawl] / ˈvɒl iˌbɔl /

noun

1. a game for two teams in which the object is to keep a large ball in motion, from side to side over a high net, by striking it with the hands before it touches the ground.

2. the ball used in this game.

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volleyball British  

/ ˈvɒlɪˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a game in which two teams hit a large ball back and forth over a high net with their hands

2. the ball used in this game

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Etymology

Origin of volleyball

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; volley + ball ¹

Example Sentences

His sister, Karen, was once the girls’ volleyball coach at Chaminade.

From Los Angeles Times

The 20 Make Great Plays members play soccer, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and volleyball at Westlake High.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s the head of the student council, and a star volleyball player, and always doing something charitable.

From Literature

Publicly available images paint a picture of daily life in the town's sports hall, where schoolchildren played volleyball tournaments and students sat exams.

From BBC

All three hang out at the beach, either playing volleyball or surfing.

From Los Angeles Times