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Hockey Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hockey

[ˈhɑki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sport

Hockey is a team sport played on ice, in which players use sticks to hit a puck into the opponent's goal. It is a fast-paced and physical game that requires skill, speed, and teamwork.

Synonyms

field hockey, hockey game, ice hockey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hockey

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.
ice hockey

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.
field hockey

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.
hockey game

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.

Examples of usage

  • The Stanley Cup is awarded to the champion of the National Hockey League.
  • She has been playing hockey since she was a child.
  • The Canadian national hockey team is known for its success in international competitions.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Hockey can also refer to field hockey, a similar sport played on a grass or turf field. It is popular in countries like India, Pakistan, and the Netherlands.

Synonyms

field hockey, hockey game.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hockey

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.
field hockey

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.
hockey game

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.

Examples of usage

  • She represented her country in field hockey at the Olympics.
  • Field hockey requires good hand-eye coordination and stamina.

Translations

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

Origin of 'hockey'

The word 'hockey' is believed to have originated in the 16th century in France, where it was used to describe a game played with curved sticks and a ball. The modern version of hockey, as we know it today, evolved in England in the 19th century. It has since become a popular sport played at both amateur and professional levels around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,185, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.