Hockey: meaning, definitions and examples

A general term for the sport that could refer to either ice hockey or field hockey, depending on the context where it is used.

• I love watching hockey during the winter.
• Hockey is a very popular sport in many countries.

Specifically refers to the type of hockey played on an ice rink, usually indoors.

• He has been playing ice hockey since he was a child.
• Ice hockey is very popular in Canada and Northern Europe.

Specifically refers to the type of hockey played on a grass or artificial turf field, usually outdoors.

• She plays field hockey for her university team.
• Field hockey requires a lot of running and stamina.

Used when talking about a specific match or game of hockey, regardless of whether it's ice hockey or field hockey.

• Are you going to the hockey game this weekend?
• The hockey game went into overtime because the score was tied.

Refers to the sport played on ice with skates, a puck, and sticks. It is generally understood to be ice hockey in North America when mentioned without qualifiers.

• He's been playing hockey since he was five years old.
• The hockey season starts in October and ends in April.

Used to specify the variant of hockey played on grass or artificial fields with a ball instead of a puck. Commonly referred to as simply 'hockey' in countries where the sport is more popular than ice hockey, like India or the Netherlands.

• She is the captain of the field hockey team at her school.
• Field hockey is becoming increasingly popular in urban areas.

Used when referring to a specific match or event in the sport of hockey, either ice hockey or field hockey. Provides clarity and specificity about the event being discussed.

• We're going to the hockey game tonight to watch our local team play.
• The hockey game was intense, and it went into overtime.