volleyball
volleyball
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "volleyball" is /ˈvɒl.iˌbɔːl/ (British English) or /ˈvɑː.liˌbɑːl/ (American English).
For /ˈvɒl.iˌbɔːl/:
/ˈvɒl/
/i/
/ˌbɔːl/
Word Form Variations
Noun: volleyball (singular), volleyballs (plural)
Adjective: volleyball (used attributively, e.g., "volleyball court," "volleyball team")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A team sport in which two teams are separated by a net, and each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the opposing team's side of the court, typically using their hands to hit it over the net.
Synonyms: netball (distinct but similar concept), beach volleyball (specific variant)
Antonyms: basketball, football, soccer (as contrasting team sports)
Definition 2: The inflated ball used in the sport of volleyball, typically made of synthetic leather or similar material.
Synonyms: game ball, sports ball
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to a specific type of ball)
Definition 3: (Figurative, informal) A situation, often complex or problematic, in which responsibility or an issue is repeatedly passed back and forth between different parties.
Synonyms: back-and-forth, hot potato, ping-pong (figurative), buck-passing
Antonyms: resolution, agreement, clear responsibility, final decision
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to the sport of volleyball. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: court (attributive, e.g., volleyball court), team (attributive, e.g., volleyball team)
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to a specific sport)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The book details the strategic plays and historical evolution of indoor volleyball tactics." (From a non-fiction book on sports coaching or history)
"She spent her summer afternoons playing beach volleyball, the sand warm between her toes and the sun on her skin." (Fictional example from a young adult novel or romance)
"The discussion became a metaphorical game of volleyball, with each politician batting the blame back and forth." (Fictional example, figurative use, from a political thriller or social commentary)
Newspapers:
"The national volleyball team secured a decisive victory against their regional rivals in the African championships." (The Standard Sports)
"Youth engagement programs are using sports like volleyball to promote teamwork and healthy lifestyles in underserved communities." (Daily Nation)
"The debate over who is responsible for the budget deficit has turned into a political volleyball, with no one taking ownership." (Business Daily Africa)
Online Publications:
"Our ultimate guide to mastering the volleyball serve: Tips and drills for all skill levels." (An article on a sports training website, e.g., VolleyballMag.com)
"Explore the best beach volleyball destinations in the world for your next active vacation." (An article on a travel blog, e.g., Lonely Planet Online)
"Watch this incredible slow-motion video of a professional volleyball spike." (A highlight reel on a sports news website, e.g., ESPN.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I am Wilson!" (Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland to his sentient volleyball in Cast Away, 2000)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must compete in an intense game of beach volleyball against professional players." (Instructions on a reality competition show, e.g., Survivor)
Song Lyrics: "Playing volleyball in the sand, with my friends, sun in the sky." (From a pop or summer-themed song)
Video Games: "Choose your team and dominate the court in our new volleyball simulation game." (Promotional text for a sports video game, e.g., Mario Sports Mix)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we interview a legendary volleyball coach about his strategies for building winning teams." (A podcast on sports or coaching, e.g., The Dale Brown Show)
General Public Discourse:
"Are you coming to play volleyball at the park this afternoon?" (A common invitation for recreational sports)
"My daughter joined the school volleyball team, and she loves it!" (A casual statement about children's activities)
"That discussion became a real volleyball of accusations, with no one agreeing." (Describing a chaotic discussion)
"I need to buy a new volleyball; ours got deflated." (A common household or sports equipment need)
"Let's organize a volleyball tournament for the community." (A suggestion for an event)
"The beach volleyball players are so athletic." (An observation about athletes)
"The company's finances have become a political volleyball." (Metaphorical use, often in news)
10 Quotes Using Volleyball
"I am Wilson!" (Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in Cast Away, 2000) - This iconic line refers to his sentient volleyball companion, making the word implicit in the quote's fame.
"It's about getting the ball, setting it, hitting it. It's volleyball." (Lesser-known, but common summary by a player or coach)
"Playing beach volleyball is my favorite way to spend the summer." (Common relatable sentiment, widely shared)
"Life is like volleyball; you keep passing the ball until someone scores." (Original quote, metaphorical)
"My old volleyball is deflated, but the memories are not." (Original quote, nostalgic)
"You never really know a team until you've played a tough volleyball match against them." (Lesser-known, from a sports context)
"She was a powerhouse on the volleyball court." (Common descriptive phrase for a skilled player)
"The game of volleyball teaches teamwork and quick thinking." (Common observation about the sport's benefits)
"This discussion has become a political volleyball, constantly being tossed around." (Common figurative use in political commentary)
"The key to winning in volleyball is communication and trust among players." (Common advice from coaches)
Etymology
The word "volleyball" is a straightforward combination of two English words, reflecting its invention and key action.
It's a compound word made up of:
"Volley": This comes from the Old French word volée, meaning "flight" or "a flying." In sports, a "volley" specifically refers to hitting a ball (or shuttlecock) before it touches the ground. This comes from the Latin verb volāre, meaning "to fly."
"Ball": This comes from the Old English word beall, meaning "a round mass."
So, literally, "volleyball" means "a ball that is volleyed" or "a flying ball."
The sport and its name were invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. He initially called the game "Mintonette." However, after observing the game, a professor named Alfred Halstead suggested the name "Volley Ball" because the objective was to volley the ball back and forth over a net.
So, the first known use and meaning of "volleyball" date to this invention: "a team sport played with a ball volleyed over a net." The two words were initially separate ("Volley Ball") but soon combined into one.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Volleyball
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "volleyball":
Beach volleyball: A variant of volleyball played on sand, typically with two players per team.
Indoor volleyball: The standard variant of volleyball played on a hard court.
Volleyball court: The designated playing area for volleyball.
Volleyball net: The net that divides the court in volleyball.
Volleyball team: A group of players who compete together in volleyball.
Political volleyball: (Figurative) A situation where responsibility or blame for an issue is continuously passed back and forth between political parties or individuals.
To get a good set: (From the game) To receive a well-placed pass that allows for an easy spike. (Figurative: to get a good setup for success).
To spike the ball: (From the game) To hit the ball powerfully downwards over the net. (Figurative: to make a decisive move or point).
To bump, set, spike: The fundamental sequence of plays in volleyball. (Common instruction).
A back-and-forth debate: A discussion where arguments are exchanged rapidly. (Synonymous with "political volleyball").
To keep the ball in play: To continue an activity or discussion. (Synonymous with maintaining a rally in "volleyball").
A hot potato issue: A controversial or difficult problem that no one wants to deal with. (Synonymous with a "volleyball" of responsibility).
To serve an ace: To make a perfect, unreturnable serve. (Figurative: to perform exceptionally well).
Playing the field: (Figurative) Engaging in multiple romantic relationships. (Contrasts with the focused action of a volleyball player on their court).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of volleyball from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
