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Basketball Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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basketball

[ˈbɑːskɪtbɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A game played between two teams of five players in which goals are scored by throwing a ball through a netted hoop.

Synonyms

b-ball, hoops, roundball.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
basketball

Formal settings or when clarity is needed. This is the standard term for the sport and is appropriate in both written and spoken language.

  • He plays basketball every weekend
  • The basketball season starts in November
hoops

Casual conversations, often implying playing the game more than watching it. It’s commonly used in informal settings.

  • Let's shoot some hoops this afternoon
  • The kids are playing hoops in the park
b-ball

Casual conversations, especially among friends or in informal settings. It's a popular slang term for basketball, used mostly in speech.

  • Do you want to play some b-ball after school? I watched an amazing b-ball game last night
roundball

Informal and sometimes nostalgic or old-fashioned contexts. It’s not as commonly used as other terms.

  • Back in the day, we used to call it roundball
  • He was a roundball star in his youth

Examples of usage

  • The basketball game was intense, with both teams fighting hard for the win.
  • Playing basketball requires a combination of skill, teamwork, and strategy.
Context #2 | Noun

object

A large, round, inflated ball used in the game of basketball.

Synonyms

ball, rock, sphere.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
basketball

Typically used in the same contexts as before, either for the game or the equipment. It's repetitive in this list.

  • She joined the basketball team in college
  • The basketball went out of bounds
ball

This is a general term that can refer to any round object used in sports and games. It is not specific to basketball.

  • The dog loves fetching the ball in the park
  • We need a ball for our soccer game
sphere

Use this term in more scientific or geometrical contexts to describe a three-dimensional round object. It's not commonly used to describe a basketball in everyday conversation.

  • In geometry class, we learned how to calculate the volume of a sphere
  • The Earth is not a perfect sphere
rock

This slang term is sometimes used to refer to a basketball. It can add a casual or informal tone.

  • Pass me the rock, I want to take a shot
  • He's got great skills handling the rock

Examples of usage

  • The basketball bounced off the rim and into the hoop.
  • She dribbled the basketball down the court with ease.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, who needed a game to keep his students active inside during winter.
  • The first official game was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals.
  • The sport quickly grew in popularity, leading to the first professional league, the National Basketball League (NBL), forming in 1937.

Cultural Impact

  • Basketball has influenced music, particularly hip-hop culture, evident in lyrics, music videos, and basketball-themed songs.
  • Many films, like 'Space Jam' and 'He Got Game,' showcase the sport, blending it with entertainment and storytelling.
  • Major global events such as the Olympics and the FIBA World Cup highlight basketball's universal appeal and cultural importance.

Science of the Game

  • The physics of shooting a basketball involves projectile motion; the angle and force of the shot determine if it goes in.
  • Players use biomechanics to enhance their performance, focusing on their body movements to shoot, dribble, and jump effectively.
  • Studies show that team dynamics and communication can greatly improve a team's performance on the court.

Psychology

  • Basketball serves as an excellent way to build teamwork and social skills, boosting confidence and cooperation among players.
  • The thrill of competition can enhance focus and discipline, attributes beneficial both in and out of the game.
  • Playing basketball has been associated with improved mental health, helping reduce stress and anxiety through physical activity.

Pop Culture

  • World-famous athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James have become global icons, impacting fashion and media beyond sports.
  • The NBA All-Star Game is a highly anticipated annual event, showcasing the league's best talent in a fun and entertaining format.
  • Streetball culture has emerged as a vibrant aspect of urban life, where people play basketball informally and develop unique styles and rules.

Origin of 'basketball'

The game of basketball was invented in December 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was created as a way to keep his students active indoors during the winter months. The sport quickly gained popularity and spread to other parts of the United States and eventually around the world. Today, basketball is one of the most popular and widely played sports globally, with professional leagues such as the NBA attracting millions of fans.

See also: basket, basketry.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,765 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.