noun

kabaddi

KUH-buh-dee

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Kabaddi (noun) means a South Asian contact sport in which a lone "raider" dashes into the opposing team's half, tries to tag defenders, and must get back to their own side — all while chanting to prove they haven't taken a breath. Example: “The village tournament drew huge crowds for the final kabaddi match.”

noun

A South Asian contact sport in which a lone "raider" dashes into the opposing team's half, tries to tag defenders, and must get back to their own side — all while chanting to prove they haven't taken a breath.

"The village tournament drew huge crowds for the final kabaddi match."

"In kabaddi, the raider has to hold one breath the entire time they're on the other side."

How to use kabaddi

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fast, breath-holding tag sport popular across South Asia, now also played internationally.

Common pairings

play kabaddi a kabaddi match kabaddi league

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The village tournament drew huge crowds for the final _____ match.

Etymology

From Hindi kabaddi, itself borrowed from Tamil, where the word traces back to "kai" (hand) plus "pidi" (grip) — roughly "holding hands."

Origin: Hindi

Frequently asked questions

What does “kabaddi” mean?

The word “kabaddi” means a South Asian contact sport in which a lone "raider" dashes into the opposing team's half, tries to tag defenders, and must get back to their own side — all while chanting to prove they haven't taken a breath. In plain terms, a fast, breath-holding tag sport popular across South Asia, now also played internationally.

How do you pronounce “kabaddi”?

“Kabaddi” is pronounced KUH-buh-dee (/ˈkʌbədi/ in IPA).

How do you use “kabaddi” in a sentence?

Here is “kabaddi” used in a sentence: “The village tournament drew huge crowds for the final kabaddi match.”

What part of speech is “kabaddi”?

“Kabaddi” is a noun.

Where does the word “kabaddi” come from?

The word “kabaddi” comes from Hindi. From Hindi kabaddi, itself borrowed from Tamil, where the word traces back to "kai" (hand) plus "pidi" (grip) — roughly "holding hands.".

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