Basketball (noun) — A game that is played by two teams of players with the primary goal of throwing a ball in the basket. It is also a ball, typically orange, used by basketball players.
How to Pronounce “Basketball”?
Audio (UK):
Audio (US):
The word has three syllables. The first is bas, with a pronounced as in car. The second is ket, which sounds like /kit/, not /ket/. The third is ball with a stretched vowel /ɔ/.
Level up your English with Koto!
Examples of “Basketball” in a Sentence?
Here are some instances of “basketball” usage across different contexts, from describing events to talking about leisure time.
“Basketball” Word Formation and Description in Context
The collocations that make the “basketball” description richer vary, helping you describe the types of games, their attributes, and players’ and fans’ actions.
With adjectives: women’s basketball men’s basketball
With verbs: to win a basketball game to lose a basketball game to watch basketball
With nouns (noun + noun): basketball fans basketball rules basketball players
Phrases and Idioms Featuring “Basketball”
There are no frequently used idioms with “basketball” in English. However, there are common phrases used with this word to talk about stars in this sport and career ambitions:
-
Basketball legend is a person who is very popular in the world of basketball because of their many wins.
LeBron James is the greatestbasketball player of all time. He is abasketball legend.
-
Basketball career means the efforts of a player to build a career as a basketball player.
He chose thebasketball career when he was seven. Now, he’s twenty-two, and he still works hard.
Use Exercises to Practice “Basketball” Meaning!
How well have you learnt the collocations, definitions, and the meaning of “basketball”? Test your knowledge of the vocabulary with these exercises:
Enjoy personalized learning!
Cultural Insights: “Basketball” Word in Other Languages
How do you spell “basketball” in French, Spanish, and German? Listen to its pronunciation and try to repeat.
| Language | Word for “Basketball” |
|---|---|
Spanish |
Baloncesto |
French |
Basket-ball |
German |
Basketball |
Learn Some Cool Facts about “Basketball”
How much does an average NBA player earn? Why does this sport have this name? What does basketball mean to the American people? All the answers are here:
-
$10,000,000 a year for one NBA player.
For many players, the NBA is a dream. It gives them opportunities to play their favorite game and grow their fortune. The NBA sports league is valued at approximately $132 billion. -
Peach baskets started the history of basketball.
According to Britannica, this sport was invented in 1891 by James Naismith. Soon, he received multiple letters from sports associations asking him to describe the game rules. -
Women’s and men’s basketball teams from the USA win very often.
In both the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics, American teams have won multiple medals and awards. The women’s team has 11 FIBA World Cups, and the men’s team has 5. -
The first game prototype lasted about 30 minutes.
Initially, the creator thought it would be nice for the game to have two 15-minute rounds. However, a modern major league game lasts about two and a half hours.
Cool “Basketball” Quotes
Authors rarely use the description of “basketball” in books. Mainly, you meet this word in movies, cartoons, anime, and in speeches of players.
— Kuroko Tetsuya, “Kuroko’s Basketball”
Explanation: One of the main characters admits that it’s not enough to be tall to become a legendary basketball player. A person also needs skills, patience, and determination.
— Quincy, “Love and Basketball”
Explanation: Quincy and Monica are neighbours who share a passion for basketball and love; this phrase shows that in both sports and relationships, you need to fight for what you want.
— Ja Morant
Explanation: For many fans and professionals, this sport is more than a physical activity — it’s a goal, a safe space, and a way to feel on top of the world.
