basketball

American  

[bas-kit-bawl, bah-skit-] / ˈbæs kɪtˌbɔl, ˈbɑ skɪt- /

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.

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basketball British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• probasketball adjective

Etymology

Origin of basketball

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

Example Sentences

It’s finally showtime in high school girls basketball.

From Los Angeles Times

The practice, known as “reclassifying,” “reclassing,” “bridge year” or “gap year,” is spreading fast in football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse and other sports where height and strength are key.

From The Wall Street Journal

So until I see more data, I’m clapping for the new PMI reading, but not making noise, like at a high school basketball game when they announce the other team’s starting five.

From Barron's

He’s a Granada Hills High graduate and was a teacher and girls’ basketball coach at his alma mater “forever.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I thought they played the best basketball they’ve played in the Big Ten for a while today, and give them all the credit for that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ball