Games & Sports vocabulary list with definitions

Games & Sports vocabulary list with definitions

Games and sports are a universal language, bringing people together through competition, teamwork, and pure fun. But whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual board game enthusiast, navigating the specific vocabulary of different games and sports can sometimes feel like a game itself.

List of Games & Sports vocabulary

Games & Sports vocabulary with definition and example

Archery

• Definition: A sport involving shooting arrows with a bow at a target.
• Example: She practiced archery every weekend to improve her aim.

Badminton

• Definition: A racquet sport played using a shuttlecock, usually indoors.
• Example: They played badminton in the park every Saturday afternoon.

Baseball

• Definition: A bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players each.
• Example: The local baseball team won the championship last year.

Basketball

• Definition: A sport in which two teams try to score points by throwing a ball through the opposing team’s hoop.
• Example: He scored the winning basket in the final seconds of the basketball game.

Bowling

• Definition: A sport where players roll a heavy ball to knock down pins.
• Example: They went bowling to celebrate her birthday.

Boxing

• Definition: A combat sport in which two people throw punches at each other for a predetermined time.
• Example: The boxing match ended in a draw after twelve rounds.

Chess

• Definition: A board game of strategic skill for two players, played on an 8×8 grid.
• Example: Chess requires careful planning and strategy to outwit your opponent.

Cricket

• Definition: A bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players each on a field.
• Example: Cricket is a popular sport in many countries, especially in England and India.

Cycling

• Definition: The sport or activity of riding a bicycle.
• Example: She took up cycling as a way to stay fit and explore the countryside.

Diving

• Definition: The sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard.
• Example: He executed a perfect dive from the 10-meter platform.

Fencing

• Definition: A sport of fighting with swords, especially foils, epees, or sabers.
• Example: Fencing is an Olympic sport that requires agility and quick reflexes.

Football (Soccer)

• Definition: A sport where two teams of eleven players try to score by kicking a ball into the opponent’s goal.
• Example: Football is the most popular sport in the world, known as soccer in the United States.

Golf

• Definition: A sport in which players use clubs to hit a ball into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible.
• Example: They played a round of golf every Sunday morning.

Gymnastics

• Definition: A sport involving exercises requiring balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and endurance.
• Example: Gymnastics competitions often feature routines on the floor, vault, bars, and beam.

Handball

• Definition: A team sport in which two teams of seven players each pass a ball using their hands with the aim of throwing it into the goal of the other team.
• Example: Handball is particularly popular in Europe and requires fast reflexes and teamwork.

Hockey

• Definition: A sport in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or puck into the opponent’s goal using a hockey stick.
• Example: Field hockey is played on grass or artificial turf, while ice hockey is played on an ice rink.

Horse Racing

• Definition: A sport in which horses and their riders compete to be the fastest over a set course.
• Example: The annual horse racing event draws a large crowd of enthusiasts.

Ice Hockey

• Definition: A fast-paced team sport played on ice, where players use sticks to hit a puck into the opposing team’s goal.
• Example: Ice hockey is known for its speed and physicality.

Judo

• Definition: A modern martial art, combat, and Olympic sport created in Japan.
• Example: Judo emphasizes throws and grappling to subdue opponents.

Karate

• Definition: A martial art developed in Japan that uses punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques.
• Example: She earned her black belt in karate after years of training.

Lacrosse

• Definition: A team sport played with a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick.
• Example: Lacrosse is known for its fast pace and high-scoring games.

Polo

• Definition: A sport played on horseback where players use mallets to hit a ball into the opposing team’s goal.
• Example: Polo is often associated with royalty and high society.

Rowing

• Definition: A sport where athletes race against each other in boats using oars.
• Example: Rowing requires great strength and coordination, especially in team events.

Rugby

• Definition: A team sport that involves carrying, passing, and kicking a ball to score points by touching it down in the opponent’s in-goal area.
• Example: Rugby is known for its physicality and strategic plays.

Running

• Definition: The act of moving swiftly on foot, as a form of exercise or sport.
• Example: She enjoys running marathons and participates in several races each year.

Sailing

• Definition: The sport or activity of using boats with sails.
• Example: Sailing requires knowledge of wind patterns and navigation.

Shooting

• Definition: A sport involving firing at targets with guns, bows, or other ranged weapons.
• Example: He practiced shooting at the range every weekend to improve his accuracy.

Skiing

• Definition: The sport of traveling over snow on skis.
• Example: They went skiing in the Alps during their winter vacation.

Snowboarding

• Definition: A sport where participants ride a single board down snow-covered slopes.
• Example: Snowboarding has gained popularity as an exciting winter sport.

Squash

• Definition: A racket sport played by two or four players in a four-walled court.
• Example: Squash is known for its fast pace and requires quick reflexes.

Surfing

• Definition: The sport of riding on the crest or along the tunnel of a wave on a surfboard.
• Example: Surfing is a popular activity on coastal beaches worldwide.

Swimming

• Definition: The sport or activity of moving through water by using the arms, legs, and body in motions called strokes.
• Example: She joined the swimming team and competed in freestyle and backstroke events.

Table Tennis

• Definition: A sport where two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using small rackets.
• Example: Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is popular both as a recreational and competitive sport.

Taekwondo

• Definition: A Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.
• Example: Taekwondo practitioners often participate in forms and sparring competitions.

Tennis

• Definition: A sport played with a felt-covered rubber ball, a racket, and a court.
• Example: Tennis matches can be played as singles or doubles and require agility and precision.

Volleyball

• Definition: A team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net and try to score points by hitting a ball over the net to the opponent’s court.
• Example: Beach volleyball is a popular variation played on sand.

Water Polo

• Definition: A team water sport that requires swimming skills and involves players attempting to score by throwing a ball into the opposing team’s goal.
• Example: Water polo is played in a swimming pool and is known for its physical demands.

Weightlifting

• Definition: A sport in which athletes attempt to lift heavy weights mounted on barbells.
• Example: Weightlifting competitions include events like the snatch and clean and jerk.

Wrestling

• Definition: A combat sport involving grappling techniques such as throws, joint locks, and pins.
• Example: Wrestling requires strength, technique, and endurance to overpower opponents.

Yoga

• Definition: A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices originating in ancient India, often focused on breath control, meditation, and specific bodily postures.
• Example: Yoga helps improve flexibility and reduce stress through various poses and breathing exercises.

Athlete

• Definition: A person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.
• Example: The athlete trained rigorously for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Athletics

• Definition: Physical sports and games of any kind.
• Example: Athletics includes a wide range of activities from track and field events to team sports.

Ball

• Definition: A round object used in many sports and games.
• Example: The soccer ball was kicked high into the air during the match.

Bat

• Definition: An implement used to hit the ball in sports such as baseball and cricket.
• Example: He swung the bat and hit the ball out of the park.

Boat Race

• Definition: A race between boats, often powered by rowing.
• Example: The annual boat race attracts teams from universities around the world.

Card

• Definition: A small, rectangular piece of stiff paper used in games like poker and bridge.
• Example: They played a game of cards to pass the time during the trip.

Carom

• Definition: A cue sport similar to billiards.
• Example: Carom requires skillful control of the cue ball to hit the other balls on the table.

Club

• Definition: An implement used in golf to hit the ball.
• Example: He chose a seven-iron club for his next shot on the golf course.

Cockfight

• Definition: A sport in which two roosters fight each other.
• Example: Cockfighting is illegal in many countries due to animal cruelty concerns.

Dice

• Definition: Small, typically cubic objects with numbered faces used in games of chance.
• Example: They rolled the dice to determine who would go first in the game.

Doll

• Definition: A small figure of a human being used as a toy.
• Example: The child played with her favorite doll all afternoon.

Exercise

• Definition: Physical activity that is done to maintain or improve health and fitness.
• Example: Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.

Field

• Definition: An open area of land used for playing sports.
• Example: The soccer field was well-maintained and ready for the game.

Foul

• Definition: An unfair or illegal action in a game or sport.
• Example: The referee called a foul on the player for tripping his opponent.

Game

• Definition: An activity that one engages in for amusement or fun, often involving rules and competition.
• Example: They played a board game to relax after dinner.

Goal

• Definition: An area or object that players try to get a ball or puck into to score points.
• Example: She scored the winning goal in the final minutes of the match.

Gymnasium

• Definition: A room or building equipped for physical exercise and sports activities.
• Example: The school gymnasium was used for basketball and volleyball games.

Hide and Seek

• Definition: A game in which one player closes their eyes and counts while the others hide.
• Example: The children played hide and seek in the backyard.

Horse Race

• Definition: A competition in which horses ridden by jockeys race against each other.
• Example: The horse race was thrilling, with the lead changing several times.

Jump

• Definition: To push oneself off a surface and into the air by using the muscles in one’s legs and feet.
• Example: She made a high jump over the bar in the track and field event.

Kick

• Definition: To strike with the foot.
• Example: He made a powerful kick that sent the soccer ball into the net.

Kite

• Definition: A light frame covered with a thin material, flown in the wind at the end of a long string.
• Example: They flew a colorful kite at the beach on a windy day.

Ludo

• Definition: A board game for two to four players, in which the players race their four tokens from start to finish according to the rolls of a single die.
• Example: They played Ludo to pass the time during the rainy afternoon.

Net

• Definition: A piece of meshed fabric used in various sports to separate the playing areas or to catch or carry something.
• Example: The volleyball net was set up in the middle of the court.

Parade

• Definition: A public procession celebrating a special day or event.
• Example: The athletes marched in the parade to celebrate their championship win.

Play

• Definition: Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation.
• Example: The children went outside to play after school.

Player

• Definition: A person who takes part in a game or sport.
• Example: The player scored three goals in the match.

Playground

• Definition: An outdoor area provided for children to play in, especially at a school or public park.
• Example: The new playground had swings, slides, and climbing equipment.

Playmate

• Definition: A companion in play or recreation.
• Example: The little girl was happy to find a new playmate at the park.

Reel

• Definition: A device used to wind up and store a flexible material such as fishing line.
• Example: He used a fishing reel to cast his line into the lake.

Referee

• Definition: An official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to.
• Example: The referee made a controversial call that decided the outcome of the game.

Run

• Definition: To move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both feet on the ground at the same time.
• Example: She went for a run in the park every morning.

Skipping

• Definition: A physical exercise or activity that involves jumping over a rope swung so that it passes under the feet and over the head.
• Example: Skipping is a fun way to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Sports

• Definition: All forms of physical activity which, through casual or organized participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment.
• Example: Sports are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Supporter

• Definition: A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
• Example: The supporters cheered loudly for their team throughout the match.

Target

• Definition: An object, often marked with concentric circles, to be aimed at in shooting practice or contests.
• Example: The archer aimed carefully at the target and released the arrow.

Toy

• Definition: An object for children to play with, typically a model or miniature replica of something.
• Example: The child received a toy car for his birthday.

Volley

• Definition: A strike or kick of the ball before it touches the ground.
• Example: She returned the serve with a powerful volley.

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