water polo

American  

noun

1. an aquatic game played by two teams of seven swimmers each, the object being to score goals by pushing, carrying, or passing an inflated ball and tossing it into the opponent's goal, defended by a goalkeeper.

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water polo British  

noun

1. a game played in water by two teams of seven swimmers in which each side tries to throw or propel an inflated ball into the opponents' goal

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Etymology

Origin of water polo

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Scottish Swimming, the national governing body for swimming, diving, open water, artistic swimming and water polo in Scotland, said it was "disappointed" by South Ayrshire Council's decision.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

His support for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games went beyond the water polo teams.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Dane spent his high school years as a competitive swimmer and water polo player.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Since the games were taking place only weeks after Red Army tanks had crushed the Hungarian uprising, the tension at the water polo semifinal between Hungary and the Soviet Union was extreme.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

“Sure I can’t wrangle you into a season of water polo this spring?” he said.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely