tennis

noun

ten·​nis ˈte-nəs 

often attributive

1

: an indoor or outdoor game that is played with rackets and a light elastic ball by two players or pairs of players on a level court (as of clay or grass) divided by a low net

2

: court tennis

Examples of tennis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On has collaborated with an impressive roster of partners over the last 16 years, from tennis legend Roger Federer to Spanish fashion house Loewe, all while staying true to its mission of celebrating movement. — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

In the Stands Jaden quickly became a tennis spectator, as he and Steffi were spotted in the stands during one of Andre’s matches during the 2002 US Open. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026

The Roger Clubhouse, meanwhile is an out-and-out lifestyle model inspired by tennis and named for part-owner Roger Federer. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Ownership in Three Arch Bay includes access to the community’s beach, clubhouse, and tennis facilities. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tenetz, tenys, perhaps borrowed from Anglo-French tenez, 2nd person plural imperative of tenir "to hold" — more at tenant entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing tennis

• court tennis
• deck tennis
• lawn tennis
• paddle tennis
• platform tennis
• squash tennis
• table tennis
• tennis bracelet
• tennis court
• tennis elbow
• tennis shoe

Rhymes for tennis

• menace

Kids Definition

tennis

noun

ten·​nis ˈten-əs 

: a game played with rackets and a light elastic ball by two players or two pairs of players on a level court divided by a low net