volleyball

American  

[vol-ee-bawl] / ˈvɒl iˌbɔl /

noun

1. a game for two teams in which the object is to keep a large ball in motion, from side to side over a high net, by striking it with the hands before it touches the ground.

2. the ball used in this game.

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volleyball British  

/ ˈvɒlɪˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a game in which two teams hit a large ball back and forth over a high net with their hands

2. the ball used in this game

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Etymology

Origin of volleyball

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; volley + ball ¹

Explanation

Interested in playing a team sport? Consider volleyball, a game in which players use their arms and hands to hit a ball across a net, trying to keep the ball in the air. Teams score a point when the volleyball hits the floor on their opponent's side. There are two ways to play volleyball: in a gym and outside in the sand, a style known as beach volleyball. The indoor version requires six players per team, while the beach style has two players per side. Volleyball is a serious sport (it's even played in the Olympics), but you can also play for fun at a picnic or at the beach. Volleyball was invented in the late 1800s, right around the time basketball was first catching on.

Example Sentences

She loved swimming in their apartment pool, riding her bike, playing volleyball and basketball, singing and drawing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

His dad, Matt, played at Stanford and is head coach for the 2028 Olympic Games men’s beach volleyball team.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Aimee - a personal trainer, fitness fanatic and volleyball champion - has qualified for the women's Pro Hyrox World championships for the second year.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Magyar posts a mixture of professional content and images portraying himself as a younger and more relatable leader, showing him partying, playing volleyball, flipping burgers at a restaurant, and enjoying water sports.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Papa finally eased the car into the wide school compound and parked near the volleyball court, beyond the stretch of manicured lawn.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie