basketball

[bas-kit-bawl, bah-skit-] / ˈbæs kɪtˌbɔl, ˈbɑ skɪt- /

NOUN

team sport

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ball

STRONG

hoops

WEAK

B-ball brownball

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

INDIANAPOLIS—Modern college basketball is built to do one thing: destroy dynasties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Multiplatinum rapper J. Cole started his career with basketball-themed mixtapes and just announced “The Off-Season” album to continue the basketball narrative.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Goodwin’s advice included a basketball metaphor: “defense wins championships.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

That might sound like the bare minimum, but as he scoured around for the ideal spot, the former international found many were tailored for NFL, basketball or baseball teams.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

He would instruct high school sciences, lead the band, and coach both the football and basketball teams.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson