netball

American

[net-bawl] / ˈnɛtˌbɔl /

noun

Tennis. a ball, on a return shot, that hits the top of the net and drops on the other side of the court, thus remaining in play.
British. a game similar to basketball, played with a soccer ball, usually outdoors.

netball British

/ ˈnɛtˌbɔːl /

noun

a team game similar to basketball, played mainly by women

"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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

netballer

noun

Etymology

Origin of netball

First recorded in 1895–1900; net ¹ + 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.

In particular, the netball club and dance company sticks in my mind.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

In a tribute from her netball club, Jeffries was remembered for her "beautiful nature" and "her cheeky, infectious smile".

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

But Ssentamu loves the way it combines elements of netball, football, volleyball, and rugby -- and also the equality between men and women, which is an official requirement for every team.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

"Just imagine netball having this kind of facility. Do you know how sick that would be?"

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025

“And captain of my netball team. And I could arm wrestle kids older than me and beat them.”

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan

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