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

In the 1990s, he turned exclusively to coaching boys’ and girls’ volleyball, winning a combined 15 City titles and making 28 finals appearances.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

City Section championships for boys volleyball on Friday and Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

It’s time for Mira Costa to try to wipe away the disappointing memory from last season’s Southern Section Division 1 girls’ beach volleyball final, where the Mustangs lost to Redondo Union 3-2.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Venice wins City Section girls beach volleyball championship.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Skye also said that Madi kept ditching her for the volleyball girls.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller