A2noun1K

Basketball

UK /["/ˈbɑːskɪtbɔːl/"]/US /["/ˈbæskɪtbɔːl/"]/

Definition

a game played by two teams of five players, using a large ball which players try to throw into a high net hanging from a ring

In simple words: A game played with a ball where two teams try to score points by throwing the ball through a hoop.

Examples

  • a **basketball game/coach/team/player**
  • I played **college basketball** for a while.
  • The games will be played on the **basketball courts**.
  • to dribble/dunk a basketball

Usage notes

Use 'basketball' when talking about the sport. It's appropriate in casual and formal contexts, but may not fit in discussions about sports other than basketball.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'basket' + 'ball' — a ball that goes into a basket.

Collocations

  • college
  • high-school
  • pro
  • game
  • play
  • watch
  • championship
  • competition
  • game

Synonyms

  • hoops
  • basket
  • court game

Antonyms

  • soccer
  • baseball
  • tennis
  • swimming

Common mistakes

  • Confusing it with other sports like football or soccer.
  • Using 'basketballs' to refer to the sport instead of the game.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'bassketball'.