Definition

A sport played with a paddle and a ball, where players hit the ball against a wall or back and forth to each other.

Example

We played paddleball at the beach and had a lot of fun.

Conversation

Have you ever played paddleball before?

No, I haven't, but it sounds interesting!

It's really fun, especially when you play with friends.

I should give it a try sometime; it sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Paddleball is formed from "paddle" (from Middle English *padel*, meaning a flat tool for propelling a ball) and "ball" (from Old English *beall*, meaning a round object used in games). The word "paddleball" refers to a game played with a flat tool to hit a ball.

Memory Tip

Think of using a flat tool ('paddle') to hit a round object ('ball') — that's how you play paddleball.

Visually Confused Words