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Definition of volleyball

volleyball

/ˈvɑːliˌbɔːl/
vol · ley · ball
Plural:volleyballs
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volleyball Lexical Profile

volleyball Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A game for two teams, usually of six players, in which a large ball is hit by hand over a high net, the aim being to score points by making the ball reach the ground on the opponent's side of the court.

Example

"She played varsity volleyball in high school and later coached a local club team."

2

The inflated spherical ball used in the game of volleyball.

Example

"The coach brought a bag of brand new volleyballs to the first practice of the season."

• Rhymes for volleyball

• Nearby Words

vole
volga
volgograd
volleyball
vologda
volos
volta

Word Origin & Etymology

Invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan in Holyoke, Massachusetts, originally under the name 'Mintonette'. It was renamed 'volleyball' in 1896 because the objective of the game is to volley the ball back and forth over a net.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Volleyball. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/volleyball
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