a game in which two teams hit an inflated ball over a high net using their hands
"The crowd cheered as the team successfully hit the volleyball over the high net to score a point."
an inflated ball used in playing volleyball
"The referee tossed the inflated volleyball high into the air before serving it over the net."
A game played on a rectangular court between two teams of two to six players which involves striking a ball back and forth over a net.
"The beach volleyball match featured two teams of three players each racing to keep the ball in play by hitting it over the high net."
In plain English: Volleyball is a team sport where players hit a ball back and forth over a high net without letting it touch the ground on their side.
"The team practiced hard to master their volleyball serve before the match began."
Usage: Volleyball is commonly used as an uncountable noun referring to the sport itself, so avoid adding "a" or pluralizing it when discussing the game in general (e.g., use "play volleyball," not "plays a volleyballs"). When specifying equipment, distinguish between the ball and the net by saying "volleyball balls" only if multiple are present.
Originally named Mintonette after badminton, the sport was renamed volleyball in 1896 when an observer noted its volleying nature. The term combines "volley" and "ball," replacing the earlier name to describe how players hit the ball back and forth without letting it touch the ground between teams.