lacrosse

American  

[luh-kraws, -kros] / ləˈkrɔs, -ˈkrɒs /

noun

1. a game, originated by Indians of North America, in which two 10-member teams attempt to send a small ball into each other's netted goal, each player being equipped with a crosse or stick at the end of which is a netted pocket for catching, carrying, or throwing the ball.

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lacrosse British  

/ ləˈkrɒs /

noun

1. a ball game invented by Native Americans, now played by two teams who try to propel a ball into each other's goal by means of long-handled hooked sticks that are loosely strung with a kind of netted pouch

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Etymology

Origin of lacrosse

1710–20, < Canadian French: literally, the crook (stick used in the game). See crosse

Explanation

Lacrosse is a team sport in which players carry a ball in the net of a long-handled racket, throw it to each other, and try to score points by getting the ball into a goal. Both men and women play lacrosse, mostly on high school and college teams. Lacrosse players carry a long stick with a netted head for cradling the small rubber ball. In women's lacrosse, the stick must be moving back and forth to keep the ball from falling out. The game now known as lacrosse was invented by indigenous people of North America as early as AD 1100. Lacrosse comes from the French Canadian jeu de la crosse, "game of the hooked sticks."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lacrosse

Mitchell, according to a police report, told Ipswich Police Detective Joseph Perna that lacrosse parent JJ Gianakakis was on his way and had “made a comment about going to jail.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026

“Chloe’s a very special, unique talent,” says the legendary UNC women’s lacrosse coach Jenny Levy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026

There’s no denying that Loyola’s lacrosse program is best in Southern California and could be that way for years to come with the number of elite young players participating.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2026

After a lacrosse game, my youngest son, Jack, said he wanted more playing time.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 13, 2026

She can’t imagine Luke ever playing lacrosse, and Will didn’t really read books for fun.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti