table tennis

American  

noun

1. a game resembling tennis, played on a table with small paddles and a hollow celluloid or plastic ball.

---

table tennis British  

noun

1. a miniature form of tennis played on a table with small bats and a light hollow ball

---

Etymology

Origin of table tennis

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

A secret visit by national security adviser Henry Kissinger the year before laid the groundwork for the presidential trip, alongside reciprocal visits of table tennis teams termed "ping-pong diplomacy".

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Sabbir reads manuals on the theory of navigation, and Islamic texts—or plays table tennis with his crew.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

At the same time, Anta was slowly getting its name out domestically, opening new shops and partnering with major sporting events, including national basketball and table tennis competitions.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

They watch Netflix, cook and play table tennis wearing their gear.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Afterward, we would have lunch, then busy ourselves playing table tennis or soccer.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah