Definition

A person who plays the sport of basketball.

Example

The basketballer scored the winning shot in the final seconds of the game.

Conversation

Did you see that new basketballer who joined our team?

Yeah, I heard he's really talented and fast.

I can’t wait to see him play; everyone says he's a great basketballer.

I know! I hope he helps us win more games this season.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Basketballer is formed from "basket" (from Middle Dutch *basquette*, meaning a small container) and "ball" (from Old French *bal*, meaning a round object used in games) combined with the suffix "-er" (meaning a person who). The word refers to a person who plays the game of basketball, which involves a ball and a basket.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'basket' as a container and a 'ball' as the round object used in the game, and remember that a 'basketballer' is someone who plays with both.

Visually Confused Words