American English
/ˈbæs.kət̚ˌbɔl/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
A sport in which two teams try to score by throwing a ball through a raised hoop.
“Basketball” is usually pronounced /ˈbæs.kət̚ˌbɔɫ/. A common American variation is /ˈbæs.kɪt̚ˌbɑɫ/.
A sport in which two teams try to score by throwing a ball through a raised hoop.
I play basketball after work.
We watched basketball on TV last night.
For the sport, say “play basketball,” not “play the basketball.”
basketball game · basketball team · basketball court · basketball season
play basketball
watch basketball
The large, usually orange ball used to play this sport.
The basketball rolled under the table.
She bought a new basketball for the team.
bounce a basketball · throw a basketball · shoot a basketball · basketball hoop
to take part in this sport
My daughter plays basketball at school.
a person who plays this sport
He is a professional basketball player.
an area where this sport is played
The children ran onto the basketball court.