noun
netball
NET-bawl
Netball (noun) means a team sport, usually played by women, in which two sides of seven try to score by throwing a ball through a raised hoop with a net. Example: “She plays netball for her school every Wednesday.”
noun
1
A team sport, usually played by women, in which two sides of seven try to score by throwing a ball through a raised hoop with a net.
"She plays netball for her school every Wednesday."
"In netball, you cannot run while holding the ball."
"Our local netball league has teams of all ages."
2
The ball used to play this sport.
"Pass me the netball, please."
"The coach brought a new netball to training."
How to use netball
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNetball is a seven-a-side team sport where you pass the ball and shoot it through a raised hoop.
When to use it
It is a neutral, everyday word.
Memory tip
As the name of the sport, netball is uncountable, so say 'I play netball' with no article.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
play netball
netball team
netball match
netball club
netball league
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Fill the gap
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She plays _____ for her school every Wednesday.
Etymology
The word was formed in English from net and ball.
Rhymes for netball
See all rhymes for netball →Frequently asked questions
How many players are on a netball team?
Each side in netball has seven players on court.
What is the difference between netball and basketball?
Netball developed from basketball. In netball, a player holding the ball cannot move until they pass it to a teammate.
Is netball only for women?
Netball is usually played by women, but the word itself simply names the sport.
What is the meaning of netball?
"netball" (noun) means a team sport, usually played by women, in which two sides of seven try to score by throwing a ball through a raised hoop with a net.
