badminton

American  

[bad-min-tn] / ˈbæd mɪn tn /

noun

1. a game played on a rectangular court by two players or two pairs of players equipped with light rackets used to volley a shuttlecock over a high net that divides the court in half.

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badminton ¹ British  

/ ˈbædmɪntən /

noun

1. a game played with rackets and a shuttlecock, which is hit back and forth across a high net

2. Also called: badminton cup.  a long refreshing drink of claret with soda water and sugar

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Badminton ² British  

/ ˈbædmɪntən /

noun

1. a village in SW England, in South Gloucestershire unitary authority, Gloucestershire: site of Badminton House, seat of the Duke of Beaufort; annual horse trials

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Usage

What is badminton? Badminton is a sport in which light rackets are used to volley an object—called a shuttlecock, shuttle, birdie, or bird—back and forth over a high net. Unlike other similar sports, such as tennis, badminton is not played with a ball—the shuttlecock is a kind of feathered cone with a cork head. (A shuttlecock is also used in the related sport of battledore). Competitive badminton, which is featured as an event in the Olympic Games, is played on an indoor court and can consist of one-on-one play or doubles. The rules of badminton are similar to those of other sports that use nets, like tennis and volleyball: if a player hits the shuttlecock out of bounds or lets it touch the ground on their side of the court, their opponent(s) get a point. Badminton is also played recreationally, often as a casual yard game with multiplayer teams (less casual if Uncle Tahir is on your team). Example: You’ll see some lightning-quick reflexes in Olympic-level badminton. 

Etymology

Origin of badminton

First recorded in 1835–45; named after Badminton, the country seat of the duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire, England

Explanation

Badminton is a racket sport like tennis, but instead of a ball, a funny looking feathered thing called a shuttlecock is whacked over the net. It’s best played on a lawn after brunch, while wearing white. This racket game, which dates to the 19th century, is named after the Duke of Beaufort's country estate. It’s the kind of game you’d play on a country estate while the children frolic, but it can also be very competitive — it’s been an Olympic sport since 1992. Badminton rackets are light with long handles, and the shuttlecock is hit back and forth like a ball. Like tennis, you can play singles (one on one) or doubles (two on two).

Example Sentences

"We are aware of the global supply chain challenges and subsequent increases in feathered shuttlecock prices impacting badminton communities around the world," BWF secretary general Thomas Lund said in a statement at the time.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Fans can engage with everything from major events like March Madness to niche sports like badminton, making competitions more compelling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The company began as a tennis shop before adding gear from other sports, including golf, fishing and badminton.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

“Areas in Vietnam have pickleball courts all over the place. China is growing because their badminton courts can fit pickleball too.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 17, 2026

No one else I know has a badminton net like this on their wall.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood