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

Phase One of the park renovation project still includes all-inclusive playground equipment, a new amphitheater, sport courts that include tennis and pickleball courts, reopening of the skate park and updates to its sound wall. —Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026

Going through our tennis journeys together was incredibly special. —Jay Plotkin, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026

The Georgia Gwinnett Grizzilies have also grabbed 21 NAIA national championships for tennis and baseball. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026

To help the pillows dry more quickly and to break apart any clumps in the filling, add wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 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 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