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hurling

American  
[hur-ling] / ˈhɜr lɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act of throwing or casting, especially with great force or strength.

  2. a traditionally Irish game played by two teams of 15 players each on a rectangular field 140 yards (128 meters) long, points being scored by hitting, pushing, carrying, or throwing the leather-covered ball between the goalposts at the opponent's end of the field with a wide-bladed stick resembling a hockey stick.

  3. (in parts of Britain, especially Cornwall) a traditional, rural game in which two groups of players, using methods similar to those of football, vie for possession of a ball or other object and try to carry or hurl it into their own parish, village, farm, etc.


hurling British  
/ ˈhɜːlɪŋ /

noun

  1. a traditional Irish game resembling hockey and lacrosse, played with sticks and a ball between two teams of 15 players each

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hurling

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; hurl, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

President Trump is known for hurling scathing insults at world leaders.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

The England midfielder's 57th-minute goal prompted Emery to roar in delight before ripping off his jacket and hurling it into the air.

From Barron's • Dec. 21, 2025

What they refrain from hurling in that moment, or at any point throughout “Welcome to Derry,” is a dehumanizing slur splashed all over the pages of the original “It.”

From Salon • Dec. 8, 2025

After Sarkozy entered prison Tuesday, Le Pen reposted a video that she suggested was taken inside his prison with inmates hurling insults at him from across the cell block.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

“You are in no condition to be hurling yourself off cliffs,” the auburn-haired girl said.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan