handball

noun

hand·​ball ˈhan(d)-ˌbȯl 

1

: a game played in a walled court or against a single wall or board by two or four players who use their hands to strike the ball

2

: a small rubber ball used in handball

Examples of handball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, a number of fans have commented that unlike with other teams, the Haitian players did not complain enough on the handball of the Scottish defender by rushing to the referee and demanding for an intervention. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026

With a handball foul, several heated exchanges between players and even some action from the opposing benches, the game read more like a battle royale than a soccer match. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

Then, as England’s defenders desperately appealed for handball, Maradona somewhat unwisely celebrated by repeatedly raising his left fist to the crowd, replicating his decisive touch. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 June 2026

Seattle was awarded the penalty when Boston's Jorelyn Carabalí was called for a handball in the box. —CBS News, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handball

• team handball

Rhymes for handball

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

handball

noun

hand·​ball -ˌbȯl 

1

: a game played in a walled court or against a single wall or board by two or four players who use their hands to strike a ball

2

: the ball used in handball