badminton
badminton
Pronunciation
badminton
IPA: /ˈbæd.mɪn.tən/
bad: /bæd/ - Consists of the voiced bilabial stop /b/, the near-open front unrounded vowel /æ/, and the voiced alveolar stop /d/.
min: /mɪn/ - Consists of the voiced bilabial nasal /m/, the near-close near-front unrounded vowel /ɪ/, and the voiced alveolar nasal /n/.
ton: /tən/ - Consists of the voiceless alveolar stop /t/, and the schwa /ə/ followed by the voiced alveolar nasal /n/ (often reduced to a syllabic /n̩/ in rapid speech).
Word Form Variations
The word "badminton" primarily exists as a noun and does not typically have variations for singular/plural or other grammatical forms. It is generally treated as an uncountable noun when referring to the sport itself.
Noun: badminton (e.g., "We played badminton.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A racquet sport played by two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles) who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet over the net so that it lands within their opponents' half of the court.
Synonyms: shuttlecock sport, court game (more general)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a sport, but one could consider sports involving different equipment or objectives) football, basketball (different sports)
The equipment used to play the sport, including racquets and a shuttlecock.
Synonyms: badminton gear, badminton set
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to specific equipment)
Examples of Use
Books: "He recalled summer afternoons spent on the lawn, the rhythmic thwack of badminton shuttlecocks a constant backdrop to his mother's laughter." (From a fictional novel, illustrating a common recreational use).
Newspapers: "Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei, a legendary figure in the world of badminton, announced his retirement today, concluding a remarkable career that saw him win numerous titles." (Associated Press, June 2019)
Online Publications: "The Badminton World Federation (BWF) unveiled its new tournament calendar, aiming to provide more competitive opportunities for players globally." (BadmintonPlanet.com, April 2024)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Film/TV): In an episode of the British comedy series The Office, characters might discuss playing a casual game of badminton during a company picnic, highlighting its perception as a lighthearted activity. (Fictional example consistent with general portrayal of the show).
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Video Games): "Nintendo Switch Sports includes badminton as one of its playable sports, allowing players to simulate the game using motion controls." (Nintendo.com, April 2022)
General Public Discourse (Social Media): "Just finished a killer game of badminton with friends! My arm is officially sore, but it was worth it. #badminton #weekendvibes" (Twitter post, March 2025)
General Public Discourse (Conversations): "Are you free this Saturday? I was thinking we could head to the park and play some badminton if the weather holds up." (Common conversational usage when suggesting an activity).
10 Quotes Using Badminton
"Those who play badminton well take decisions quickly." (Dmitry Medvedev)
"Badminton is not only about winning. What is important to me is about playing hard, doing my best and putting up a good show for the spectators." (Lin Dan)
"I love winning more than I love playing badminton. Winning is everything." (Saina Nehwal)
"Badminton court is my territory and that's where I will do most of my talking." (Jwala Gutta)
"I love badminton. That's my sport!" (Olga Kurylenko)
"Badminton is a cruel sport." (Lin Dan)
"When I am playing badminton there are only two people in the world, myself and my opponent." (Erland Kops)
"Badminton is like ballet dancing. It requires a lot of control, strength, mind play and measured movement." (Aamir Khan)
"There will be many obstacles in the pursuit of your dreams. I had long hours of training, balancing studies and badminton." (P. V. Sindhu)
"Whether it's boxing, basketball, or badminton, one must be ready to succeed before entering the arena... long before the lights come up." (Muhammad Ali)
Etymology
The word "badminton" comes from a specific place in England: Badminton House in Gloucestershire. This was the country estate of the Duke of Beaufort.
Ancient Roots: The idea of hitting a feathered object (a shuttlecock) back and forth with a paddle goes back a very long time, with similar games played in ancient Greece, China, and India. One notable ancestor was called "battledore and shuttlecock."
"Poona" in India: In the mid-19th century, British army officers stationed in India played a game similar to modern badminton, which they called "Poona" (named after the city of Pune where it was popular). This game already involved a net.
Arrival in England: When these officers returned to England, they brought the game with them.
The Name Sticks: Around 1873, the Duke of Beaufort hosted a lawn party at his estate, Badminton House, where this game was played. It became very popular among the guests, and they started referring to it as "the Badminton game" because of where they had learned it. The name stuck, and that's how the sport got its current name.
So, while the game itself has older roots, the first known use and meaning of the word "badminton" specifically refers to the game played at Badminton House in England around 1873, and it was named after that location.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Badminton
"A game of badminton": A straightforward phrase referring to an instance of playing the sport.
"Badminton diplomacy": (Lesser-known/coined) Implies a lighthearted or informal interaction between parties, perhaps to ease tensions, much like a friendly game.
"Serve up a badminton smash": (Original) To deliver a powerful and decisive action or statement, akin to a forceful shot in the game.
"Court of badminton": (Lesser-known/original) Refers to the physical playing area, but can also metaphorically imply a specific domain where a back-and-forth interaction occurs.
"Like a shuttlecock in badminton": (Lesser-known/original) Describes something being tossed or batted back and forth, lacking its own direction.
"To be on the badminton court": Literally, to be playing the sport; metaphorically, to be engaged in a direct, competitive, but perhaps not overly aggressive, interaction.
"Beyond the badminton net": (Original) Refers to something happening on the other side of a barrier or divide, or beyond one's immediate influence.
"Playing a game of battledore and shuttlecock": (Uses a synonym, "battledore and shuttlecock," for similar effect) Describes a futile or endlessly repetitive argument or activity with no clear resolution.
"Volleying back and forth": (Uses a synonym for the action) Referring to a rapid exchange of ideas, arguments, or shots, much like in a racquet sport.
"A friendly badminton match": Emphasizes the recreational and often social aspect of the game.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of badminton from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
