Racket: meaning, definitions and examples

A tool used in sports like tennis or badminton, typically when referring to tennis or other racket sports. 'Racket' can also mean a loud noise or a criminal scheme, but those meanings have negative connotations.

• I bought a new tennis racket for my match tomorrow.
• The kids playing outside are making such a racket!

A tool used in sports like baseball or cricket. 'Bat' is also used as the name of a flying mammal, but that's a different context.

• He hit a home run with his new bat.
• A bat flew into our house last night.

A tool used in water sports, like canoeing or kayaking, or in games like table tennis. 'Paddle' is also used to describe shallow walking in water.

• She used a paddle to navigate the canoe down the river.
• We need new paddles for our ping pong game.

Another spelling for 'racket' used in a sporting context, typically tennis or badminton.

• He gripped his racquet as he prepared to serve.
• Her badminton racquet needed new strings.

Typically refers to a loud and unpleasant noise but in the context of this group of words, it means a dishonest or illegal activity designed to make money.

• The police uncovered a smuggling racket operating in the city

Can have both neutral and negative connotations. In a negative sense, it refers to a plan or arrangement which is dishonest or secretive.

• They devised a scheme to steal company secrets

Denotes a quick and dishonest scheme or trick to cheat someone, usually small in scale compared to a fraud. Often viewed colloquially.

• She fell for an online scam and lost a lot of money

Used when referring to the act of deceiving someone for personal or financial gain. Often involves elaborate lies or schemes.

• He was arrested for credit card fraud

This word is often used to describe a loud, often continuous, and disturbing noise, usually created by people or machinery. It can also have a negative connotation.

• The kids were making a horrible racket in the backyard.
• The construction outside my window creates such a racket that I can hardly concentrate.

Noise is a general term for any unwanted or disruptive sound. It is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative contexts, though it often has a negative connotation when referring to disturbances.

• The noise from the traffic keeps me awake at night.
• Please keep the noise down; I'm trying to study.

Clamor generally refers to a loud and persistent noise, often coming from a crowd of people. It's frequently used to describe a collective outcry or demand.

• The clamor from the protesters outside could be heard all the way in the office.
• There was a clamor for better working conditions during the meeting.

Commotion usually denotes a state of noisy confusion or activity. It is less about the volume of the noise and more about the disturbance and chaos created by multiple activities.

• There was quite a commotion in the hallway when the fire alarm went off.
• The commotion at the concert was almost overwhelming when the band finally came on stage.