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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of hurling

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

When hurling down the ball with a wobbling seam rather than looking to hoop it, some deliveries jag unpredictably off the surface after pitching.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 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

Luckily the Hub, the main building where all the Glitch equipment was housed, wasn’t far, and we were hurling ourselves up its wide stone steps within minutes.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• casting