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

Example Sentences

The 20 Make Great Plays members play soccer, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and volleyball at Westlake High.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Publicly available images paint a picture of daily life in the town's sports hall, where schoolchildren played volleyball tournaments and students sat exams.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Her father described her as an avid volleyball player, who would always turn up to the sports hall 20 to 25 minutes early.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

In an unprecedented achievement, three starters for the Sea Hawks’ 13-2 volleyball team — Tommy Spalding, Vaughan Flaherty and Carter Mirabal — are headed to MIT this fall.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

In the pool a net went up, and dozens gathered for a game of volleyball.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman