kickball

American

[kik-bawl] / ˈkɪkˌbɔl /

noun

a children's game, similar to baseball, in which a large inflated ball, as a soccer ball, is kicked instead of being batted.

Etymology

Origin of kickball

First recorded in 1970–75; kick + ball 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.

Kaczanowski has also done away with kickball, which became a showcase for those who were playing in a local league.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

Each eight-week season offers regular season games as well as playoff games for such sports as beach and indoor volleyball, bowling, dodgeball, flag football, kickball, tennis, pickleball and soccer.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

Pregame activities will include a live DJ, line dancing lessons and a vogue-off dance contest in the center field plaza and an Outloud Sports kickball game on the field.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2024

The girl often plays kickball or runs outside with other kids in their low-income subdivision.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 18, 2023

The white boys admired him for his athleticism, how far past the fence he could send a kickball.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023