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

Chiedza, who could not swim, got out of her depth while fetching a volleyball from the sea while playing with her 11-year-old cousin.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The court heard Chiedza and her cousin went to play volleyball at the water's edge.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The two volleyball teams coming to L.A. will join the WNBA’s Sparks and NWSL’s Angel City FC as local pro women’s sports teams.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

The two volleyball leagues have vastly different models.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

She looked like an athlete—soccer, probably, or volleyball.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen