Definition

1. Noun:

   • A simultaneous discharge of multiple projectiles, especially gunfire: A volley refers to the act of firing many shots or launching many objects at the same time.
   • A burst or series of similar things delivered rapidly: It can describe a rapid, continuous series of similar sounds or actions, such as laughter or questions.
   • (Sports) A shot or kick made by striking a ball before it touches the ground: In sports like tennis or soccer, a volley is a stroke where the ball is hit in the air without letting it bounce.

2. Verb:

   • To discharge or be discharged in a volley: To fire or launch a large number of things simultaneously.
   • To utter or emit in a rapid, continuous burst: To deliver a series of words or sounds quickly and forcefully.
   • (Sports) To hit or kick (a ball) before it touches the ground: To make a volley shot in sports.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The soldiers fired a volley of shots. (A simultaneous discharge of firearms.)
  • She answered with a volley of questions. (A rapid series of questions.)
  • He scored with a perfect volley from the edge of the box. (A soccer shot struck before the ball bounced.)

• Verb:

  • The cannons volleyed throughout the night. (Discharged repeatedly and simultaneously.)
  • The critic volleyed insults at the performer. (Uttered insults rapidly.)
  • The tennis player volleyed the ball expertly at the net. (Hit the ball before it bounced.)

Advanced Usage

• "A volley of criticism": A sudden, forceful outpouring of critical remarks.

  • The new policy faced a volley of criticism from the public.

• "To trade volleys": To engage in a rapid exchange, often of words or shots.

  • The debaters traded volleys for over an hour.

Variants and Related Words

• Volleyer (n): A player who frequently or skillfully makes volleys, especially in tennis.
• Volleying (n/adj): The act of making a volley or related to volleys.

Synonyms

• Noun: Salvo, burst, barrage, fusillade, shower.
• Verb: Discharge, fire, unleash, rain, shower.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Volley" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically transitive or intransitive as shown above.)

Related Idioms

• "Return/answer fire with a volley": To respond to an attack with an equally forceful or rapid counterattack, either literal or figurative.
  • When accused of corruption, the senator returned fire with a volley of counter-accusations.

Noun

1. a tennis return made by hitting the ball before it bounces
2. rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
   • our fusillade from the left flank caught them by surprise

Verb

1. utter rapidly
   • volley a string of curses
2. make a volley
3. discharge in, or as if in, a volley
   • the attackers volleyed gunshots at the civilians
4. hit before it touches the ground
   • volley the tennis ball
5. be dispersed in a volley
   • gun shots volleyed at the attackers