basket

noun

bas·​ket ˈba-skit 

British also ˈbä-

1

a

: a receptacle made of interwoven material (such as osiers)

b

: any of various lightweight usually wood containers

c

: the quantity contained in a basket

2

: something that resembles a basket especially in shape or use

3

a

: a net open at the bottom and suspended from a metal ring that constitutes the goal in basketball

b

: a field goal in basketball

4

a

: an aggregate of values (as of selected currencies) the average of which serves as a monetary standard

b

: a selection of financial instruments (such as equities, futures, or options) the values of which reflect market fluctuations

5

: a ring around the lower end of a ski pole that keeps the pole from sinking too deep in snow

basketlike

ˈba-skit-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of basket in a Sentence

They brought their lunch in a picnic basket.

His shot missed the basket completely.

Recent Examples on the Web

On defense, the Warriors will rely on their experience to force turnovers and control the tempo, aiming to convert transition opportunities into easy baskets. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

Officials waved off the basket because Green fouled the Spurs' center prior to the attempt. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

This year, shoppers can expect to pay under $40 for a similar basket, thanks to competitive deals from Walmart, Target and Aldi, a savings of more than 25% compared to 2024. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Bedside water, extra towels, and a mini toiletries basket will make your guests feel cared for and at home. —Essence, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French; akin to Old French baschoue wooden vessel; both from Latin bascauda kind of basin, of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Irish basc necklace — more at fascia

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing basket

• basket case
• basket catch
• basket hilt
• basket-of-gold
• basket star
• basket weave
• Easter basket
• made/scored a basket
• market basket
• pollen basket
• put all one's eggs in one basket
• Venus's flower-basket

Rhymes for basket

• casket
• gasket
• mascot
• wastebasket

Kids Definition

basket

noun

bas·​ket ˈbas-kət 

1

a

: a container made by weaving together materials (as reeds, straw, or strips of wood)

b

: the contents of a basket

2

: something that resembles a basket

3

a

: a net open at the bottom and hung from a metal ring that is the goal in basketball

b

: a score made in basketball by tossing the ball through the basket

basketlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective