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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seattle was awarded the penalty when Boston's Jorelyn Carabalí was called for a handball in the box. CBS News, 23 May 2026 Seattle was awarded the penalty when Boston's Jorelyn Carabalí was called for a handball in the box. ABC News, 22 May 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 However, the officials did not spot the handball in real time, and—with no video review system available then—the goal counted, despite vociferous protests from the English players and fans. Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for handball

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handball was in 1704

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Cite this Entry

“Handball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handball. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

handball

noun
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

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