hurley

A player swings a hurley to strike the ball.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A game similar to hockey: "hurley" is a traditional Irish team sport played with a curved stick (called a hurley) and a ball (called a sliotar). It is also known as hurling.
   • The stick used in the game: "hurley" specifically refers to the wooden stick with a broad, flat end used to strike the ball in hurling.

Usage Examples

• Noun (the game):

  • Hurley is one of the oldest field games in the world, originating in Ireland over 3,000 years ago. (The sport itself.)
  • He has been playing hurley since childhood and is now on the county team. (Referring to the game.)

• Noun (the stick):

  • He gripped his hurley tightly as he prepared to strike the sliotar. (The wooden stick used in the sport.)
  • The hurley is made from ash wood, which is both strong and flexible. (The specific equipment.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play hurley": to participate in the sport of hurling.

  • Many Irish schools encourage students to play hurley as part of their physical education. (Engaging in the sport.)

• "a hurley stick": a clarifying phrase to distinguish the object from the game, though "hurley" alone is often used for both.

  • He bought a new hurley stick at the local sports shop. (The physical implement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hurling (n): the official name of the sport; "hurley" is a colloquial or shortened form.

  • Hurling is known for its speed and physicality. (The sport itself.)

• Hurler (n): a player of hurling.

  • The hurler scored the winning point in the final minute. (A participant in the sport.)

• Sliotar (n): the small, hard ball used in hurling, similar to a baseball.

  • The sliotar flew through the air after being struck by the hurley. (The ball used in the game.)

Synonyms

• Hurling: the formal name of the sport.
• Camogie: the women's version of hurling, played with a similar hurley stick.
  • She plays camogie, which uses a hurley just like the men's game. (A closely related sport.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Hurley along: (rare, informal) to move quickly or forcefully, as if playing hurley.
  • The children hurleyed along the corridor, laughing and shouting. (Moved with energy, though not a standard phrase.)

Related Idioms

• To have a hurley in one's hand: (Irish idiom) to be ready for action or competition.

  • He always has a hurley in his hand, even when just walking the fields. (Always prepared or engaged in the sport.)

• To strike like a hurley: (figurative) to hit something with great force.

  • The boxer struck his opponent like a hurley hitting a sliotar. (A powerful blow, though not a common idiom.)