hurling

noun

hurl·​ing ˈhər-liŋ 

: an Irish game resembling field hockey played between two teams of 15 players each

Did you know?

An Irish game resembling both field hockey and lacrosse, hurling is played between two teams of 15 players. The game is mentioned in Irish manuscripts dating back to the 13th century. The stick used—a tapered, slightly curved device with a cupped blade at the end—is called a hurley. A point is scored by hitting the ball over the crossbar of the opposing team’s goalposts, three points by driving it under the crossbar. Hurling is considered the national pastime of Ireland.

Examples of hurling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Visitors can also learn about the Irish sport of hurling, which will be holding a tournament at the festival. —Jeff Banowetz, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2022

There's also a sports section with icons of rugby, hurling and football, placed before a television, to catch a match. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 8 Mar. 2022

On both days, step-dancing demonstrations, hurling and football demonstrations will take place between the performing acts. —Susan Dunne, courant.com, 14 Sep. 2021

Along with the building, the property includes fields dedicated to Gaelic football and hurling. —Jesse Leavenworth, courant.com, 20 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hurling

noun

: an Irish game resembling field hockey played between two teams of 15 players each