dodge ball

American  

noun

1. a circle game in which players throw an inflated ball at opponents within the circle who try to avoid being hit, and therefore eliminated, the winner being the one who remains unhit.

---

dodge ball British  

noun

1. a game in which the players form a circle and try to hit opponents in the circle with a large ball

---

Etymology

Origin of dodge ball

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

There are pratfalls and dodge ball along the way.

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2020

Like we're back in the schoolyard, and you're standing there — the last kid standing for dodge ball — and you're not being picked, and you don't know why.

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2019

In keeping with the unusual, 20 players representing the NFC AFC went head-to-head in dodge ball.

From Washington Times • Jan. 25, 2017

He also noted that many new park uses, including bike polo, dodge ball and off-leash areas, all started in Seattle as pilot projects.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 27, 2014

I missed jump rope and dodge ball and field trips.

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn