paddleball

American  

[pad-l-bawl] / ˈpæd lˌbɔl /

noun

1. a game played on a handball court following the same basic rules as handball, but in which players use short-handled, perforated paddles to hit a ball resembling a tennis ball.

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Etymology

Origin of paddleball

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; paddle ¹ + ball ¹

Example Sentences

When the Padres are not playing, it’s a popular concert venue, as well as a public park with a playground, dog run and paddleball courts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

On a muggy July day in 2018, Melinda Richards zipped around Pine Tree’s pools, paddleball courts and 150 trailer and cabin lots in drizzling rain.

From Washington Times • Mar. 1, 2020

They play at least three different versions of volleyball and dabble at soccer, surfing, boogie boarding, body surfing, skim- and paddle-boarding, and something called “fresco ball,” which is another paddleball variant.

From Washington Post • Aug. 17, 2016

He played handball and paddleball, poker and Continental.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2015

He crossed his arms over a chest that could have doubled as a paddleball court.

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben