basket-ball

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A game played between two teams: "basket-ball" is a sport in which two teams of five players each try to score points by throwing a ball through a raised hoop, or basket, at the opponent's end of the court.
   • The ball used in this game: "basket-ball" can also refer to the specific ball used in the sport, typically orange and with a textured surface.

Usage Examples

• A game played between two teams:

  • She plays basket-ball for her school team. (She participates in the sport of basket-ball as a player for her school.)
  • We watched a thrilling basket-ball game last night. (We observed a match of the sport basket-ball.)

• The ball used in this game:

  • He dribbled the basket-ball down the court. (He moved the specific ball used in basket-ball by bouncing it while running.)
  • The basket-ball bounced off the rim. (The ball used in the sport hit the edge of the hoop.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play basket-ball": to engage in the sport of basket-ball.

  • They like to play basket-ball after school. (They enjoy participating in the game of basket-ball as a recreational activity.)

• "basket-ball court": the designated area where the game is played.

  • The basket-ball court is made of hardwood. (The surface for playing basket-ball is constructed from wood.)

• "basket-ball hoop": the raised ring with a net through which the ball is thrown.

  • He aimed for the basket-ball hoop. (He directed his throw toward the ring used in the sport.)

Variants and Related Words

• Basketball (n): a common alternative spelling of "basket-ball", often used in modern contexts.

  • Basketball is a popular sport worldwide. (The game of basket-ball is enjoyed globally.)

• Basketballer (n): a person who plays basket-ball.

  • He is a professional basketballer. (He is a skilled player of the sport.)

Synonyms

• Hoops: an informal term for the sport of basket-ball.

  • Let's play some hoops this afternoon. (Let's engage in a game of basket-ball.)

• Court game: a category of sports played on a court, including basket-ball.

  • Basket-ball is a fast-paced court game. (The sport is played on a rectangular court.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Dribble the basket-ball: to bounce the ball while moving.

  • She can dribble the basket-ball with both hands. (She can control the ball by bouncing it using either hand.)

• Shoot the basket-ball: to throw the ball toward the hoop.

  • He shot the basket-ball from the three-point line. (He threw the ball from a distance beyond the arc.)

Related Idioms

• Slam dunk: a forceful shot in basket-ball where the player jumps and pushes the ball down through the hoop.

  • His slam dunk thrilled the crowd. (His powerful basket-ball shot excited the audience.)

• Full-court press: a defensive strategy in basket-ball where the team applies pressure across the entire court.

  • The team used a full-court press to force turnovers. (They employed an aggressive basket-ball defense to cause mistakes.)