basketball

American  

[bas-kit-bawl, bah-skit-] / ˈbæs kɪtˌbɔl, ˈbɑ skɪt- /

noun

1. a game played by two teams of usually five players each on a rectangular court having a raised basket or goal at each end, points being scored by tossing the ball through the opponent's basket.

2. the round, inflated ball approximately 30 inches (76 centimeters) in circumference, used in this game.

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basketball British  

/ ˈbɑːskɪtˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a game played by two opposing teams of five men (or six women) each, usually on an indoor court. Points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal metal hoop

2. the inflated ball used in this game

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Other Word Forms

• probasketball adjective

Etymology

Origin of basketball

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; basket + ball ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Jordan likewise brought worldwide popularity and revenue to basketball that has since grown.

From The Wall Street Journal

That might sound like the bare minimum, but as he scoured around for the ideal spot, the former international found many were tailored for NFL, basketball or baseball teams.

From BBC

The University of Connecticut’s stunning last-second upset over Duke in the March Madness college basketball tournament is the kind of moment that fans wait all season for.

From Barron's

A few people were picking through garbage cans, and someone was sleeping on a bench, curled up tight, and there was an enthusiastic game of basketball echoing over from the newly refinished court.

From Literature

Woodland, who played college basketball before transferring to Kansas to join the golf team, has always stood out for his athleticism and power on the golf course.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ball