ENGLISH
REFERENCE

basketball

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈbæskətˌbɔɫ// UK //bˈɑːskɪtbˌɔːl// bas·ket·ball General-service Informal

n. a game played by two teams of five players who try to throw a large ball through a high hoop. You can also use this word to talk about the ball itself.

n. a team sport played on a rectangular court where players attempt to shoot a ball through a raised hoop; also refers to the inflated ball used in the game.


SIMPLE

We play basketball every Friday at the local park.

CONTEXTUAL

The school built a new outdoor court so more students could practice basketball during their lunch break.

COMPLEX

While professional basketball requires immense physical stamina and height, the sport's global popularity stems from its minimal equipment requirements and the ease of practicing individual shooting skills.

Synonyms
Origin

From basket + ball.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the sport itself; countable when referring to the physical ball.

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