Basketball: meaning, definitions and examples

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basketball

 

[หˆbษ‘หskษชtbษ”หl ]

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. Itโ€™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. Itโ€™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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "basketball" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น basquetebol

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคธเฅเค•เฅ‡เคŸเคฌเฅ‰เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Basketball

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bola basket

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐัะบะตั‚ะฑะพะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koszykรณwka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใ‚นใ‚ฑใƒƒใƒˆใƒœใƒผใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท basket-ball

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ baloncesto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท basketbol

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋†๊ตฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุฑุฉ ุงู„ุณู„ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ basketbal

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ basketbal

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฏฎ็ƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ koลกarka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรถrfubolti

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐัะบะตั‚ะฑะพะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒšแƒแƒ—แƒ‘แƒฃแƒ แƒ—แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ basketbol

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ baloncesto

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.