tetherball

American  

[teth-er-bawl] / ˈtɛð ərˌbɔl /

noun

1. a game for two persons, in which each player, standing on each side of a post from the top of which a ball is suspended by a cord, hits the ball with the hand or a paddle in a direction opposite to that in which the other player hits it, the object being to coil the cord completely around the post.

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Etymology

Origin of tetherball

First recorded in 1895–1900; tether + ball ¹

Example Sentences

"America, get ready for a historically long recess. I call tetherball."

From Salon • May 4, 2025

“You didn’t recognize me in front of tetherball, and you broke my ChapStick that one time, so that’s the totality of Robbin’s bullying experience.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

I practiced picking up bright-colored polygons and dropping them to the ground, played tetherball, operated a drone, and swing-danced with a character who bore a resemblance to the M&Ms mascot.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 2, 2019

He seems to like the word “tether,” which always makes me think of that old gym-class game, tetherball.

From New York Times • May 23, 2018

Like when I won the tetherball tournament at recess against Trevor and I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been there at all.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri