Search Dictionary
Definition of netball

netball

/ˈnɛt.bɔːl/
net · ball
Plural:netballs
JUMP TO:

netball Lexical Profile

netball Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A seven-a-side team sport derived from basketball, played primarily by women in Commonwealth countries, in which players score by throwing a ball through an elevated netted ring without a backboard and cannot run with or dribble the ball.

Example

"She played goal attack on her university netball team for three consecutive seasons."

2

The spherical inflated ball used in the game of netball, slightly smaller and lighter than a standard basketball.

Example

"The coach brought a mesh bag full of new netballs to the afternoon training session."

• Nearby Words

nestmate
nestucca
net
netball
netballer
netbook
nether

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a compound of 'net' and 'ball', the game developed in England during the 1890s as a modified adaptation of early women's basketball.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Netball. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/netball
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.