# netball

/nˈɛtbɔːl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/netball
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a team sport similar to basketball where players try to throw a ball through a high hoop. You cannot run with the ball, and players must stay in specific areas of the court.

For teachers: a team sport played on a rectangular court where two teams of seven players attempt to score goals by throwing a ball through a high ring. Characterised by restrictions on player movement and the requirement that the ball be passed within three seconds.

## Examples

- She plays netball for her school team every Saturday.
- Unlike basketball, netball players are assigned specific positions that limit which parts of the court they can enter.
- The national netball league has seen a significant increase in viewership, reflecting a growing professional interest in women's team sports across the Commonwealth.

## Usage notes

- Usually uncountable when referring to the sport itself; countable only when referring to a specific match or tournament.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.