handball

[ hand-bawl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a game, similar to squash, played by two or four persons who strike a small ball against a wall or walls with the hand.
the small, hard rubber ball used in this game.

handball

/ ˈhændˌbɔːl /

a game in which two teams of seven players try to throw a ball into their opponent's goal
a game in which two or four people strike a ball against a wall or walls with the hand, usually gloved
the small hard rubber ball used in this game
soccer the offence committed when a player other than a goalkeeper in his own penalty area touches the ball with a hand

First recorded in 1400–50, handball is from the late Middle English word handballe. See hand, ball ¹

Muller, who was booked against Argentina for a dubious handball, was harsh.

Suarez, who was sent off for a deliberate handball, was more than deserved, but a calculated risk.

Another game must have resembled our handball, requiring a wall and smooth ground at its foot.

You promised the boys you'd play baseball or football or handball or something; anything to get away from your father.

A good chess player and a whiz at Two-handed Handball, they had spent all their off time together.

Mr. A. went on the street with a handball, and coaxed some stray idler to join him in a game.

And myself, I didn't go out for sports either, just football and handball; and that was it.

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