basketball

noun

bas·​ket·​ball ˈba-skit-ˌbȯl How to pronounce basketball (audio)
often attributive
: a usually indoor court game between two teams of usually five players each who score by tossing an inflated ball through a raised goal
also : the ball used in this game

Examples of basketball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her skillset with the Hawkeyes led to tons of national exposure, in what began to transform her from a basketball player into a budding icon. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 In other news, Versace has tapped rising professional basketball player Alexander Sarr to appear in its latest eyewear campaign. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024 For those who are unaware, Wilson was a prominent high school basketball player who was widely considered the best player in the country in 1984 before being tragically killed in a shooting. Mat Issa, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 The rivalry between the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University reached new heights Monday, just days before the schools tip off their annual Crosstown Shootout basketball game. Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for basketball 

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basketball was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near basketball

Cite this Entry

“Basketball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basketball. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

basketball

noun
bas·​ket·​ball -ˌbȯl How to pronounce basketball (audio)
: a court game in which each of two teams tries to toss an inflated ball through a raised goal
also : the ball used in this game

More from Merriam-Webster on basketball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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