Definitions

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.

"The tip, how he had to control it and tip it in -- that has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball."

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

I have periodically had the same “problem” with NFL, college football, and college basketball games.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2026

Before it had just been one big, bouncy blue and orange Macy’s balloon, streetwise New York City behaving like some bucolic basketball Mayberry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Donald Trump has been booed at a basketball match in New York as he became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Of course, I look at his shoes, and I have to admit they’re worth admiring—bright red basketball lace-ups with these space-age foam soles.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila