Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sports implement: A hockey stick is a piece of equipment used in hockey. It is a long, curved stick designed for players to control, pass, and shoot the puck or ball.

Usage

• The hockey stick is the primary tool for interacting with the puck in ice hockey or the ball in field hockey.
• It is held by the player and used to strike or maneuver the object of play.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She bought a new carbon-fiber hockey stick for the tournament.
  • The player's hockey stick broke during a powerful slap shot.
  • He carefully taped the handle of his hockey stick for a better grip.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a hockey stick graph": In economics or data science, this phrase describes a line on a graph that is relatively flat for a period and then curves sharply upward, resembling the shape of a hockey stick's blade. This is a metaphorical use.
  • The company's user growth showed a hockey stick curve after the new feature launch.

Variants and Related Words

• Stick (n): A more general term for a long, thin piece of wood or other material. In sports contexts, it can refer to similar implements in lacrosse or polo.
• Blade (n): The curved, flat-bottomed part at the end of a hockey stick that makes contact with the puck or ball.
• Shaft (n): The long, straight handle portion of a hockey stick.

Synonyms

• Sports stick: A general term for sticks used in various sports.
• Playing stick: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its use in a game.

Related Phrases

• "To be on the stick": (Idiom, informal) To be alert and performing well. While not directly about the equipment, it uses the word "stick" and is sometimes heard in sports contexts.
  • The goalie really needs to be on the stick tonight.
• "To stickhandle": (Verb) To skillfully control the puck with one's hockey stick.
  • He can stickhandle through the entire opposing team.

Noun

1. sports implement consisting of a stick used by hockey players to move the puck