# volleyball

/ˈvɑɫiˌbɔɫ/ (US) · /vˈɒlɪbˌɔːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/volleyball
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the sport

noun · CEFR A2

a game where two teams use their hands to hit a ball back and forth over a high net.

For teachers: a team sport played on a court where players use their hands or arms to strike a ball over a net, aiming to ground it on the opponent's side.

- We spent the whole afternoon playing volleyball on the beach with some friends.
- Professional volleyball requires exceptional vertical leap and precise coordination between the setter and the attackers to bypass the opposing block.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the sport in general.

### 2. the ball

noun · CEFR A2

the round, inflated ball used to play the game of volleyball.

For teachers: the specific spherical, inflated ball, typically made of leather or synthetic material, used in the sport of volleyball.

- Can you go to the garage and find the volleyball so we can practice?
- The coach inspected the volleyballs to ensure they were inflated to the regulation pressure before the tournament began.

Usage: Countable noun.

## Examples

- We play volleyball on the beach every summer.
- The school team practiced volleyball every afternoon to prepare for the regional tournament next month.
- Professional volleyball requires exceptional vertical leap and precise hand-eye coordination, especially during the high-speed spikes and blocks that define the modern competitive game.

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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.