pickleball

noun

pick·​le·​ball ˈpi-kəl-ˌbȯl 

plural pickleballs

: an indoor or outdoor game that is played on a level court with short-handled paddles and a perforated plastic ball volleyed over a low net by two players or pairs of players

Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. This team sport can be played indoors or outdoors and takes place on a badminton court using a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a wiffle ball) and small paddles. The pickleball net is lowered to 34 inches for game play, and each game is played to a score of 11 points.

—The Winston-Salem (North Carolina) Journal

also : the ball used in this game

The day started out fine but a blast of chilly air soon blew through. When the clouds lifted there were strong winds which played havoc with the lightweight plastic pickleballs.

—Craig Garrett

pickleballer

ˈpi-kəl-ˌbȯ-lər 

noun

plural pickleballers

Other local pickleballers said they love how accessible the sport is whether you're a man, woman, youngster or senior. They said it's likely one of the reasons the sport has become increasingly popular …

—Brian Arola

Examples of pickleball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Residents here enjoy a wealth of upscale amenities that draw people together, including a massive pool with waterslide and poolside pergola, playground, pickleball court, outdoor fireplace and grills, and walking trails. —Weichert Realtors® Welch & Company, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2024

The new owner will also have access to Lucas Valley Homeowners Association amenities, which include a pool, community center, and tennis and pickleball courts. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 16 May 2024

The items necessary for use are a pickleball paddle, a handful of pickleball balls, and a sturdy pickleball net. —Mason Leib, ABC News, 15 May 2024

For example, under the marshland plan the City Council is voting on Tuesday, space for active recreation would grow slightly from 60 to 66 acres, allowing two more courts for tennis and pickleball and enlarging some playing fields to regulation size. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2024

From basketball, tennis, badminton, and pickleball courts to a 13-hole putting green and ax-throwing setup, the Airbnb has a game for anyone. —Kara Peeler, Sunset Magazine, 6 May 2024

Kismet also sports a garage full of water toys and a basketball and pickleball court, naturally. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 May 2024

Best Athleta Deals Whether your summer plans include heading out to pickleball courts, hanging out in airports, or even lounging with friends, Athleta has on-sale styles that are perfect for every occasion. —Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2024

Community amenities at Dayton Creek include a fitness center, putting green, new pool and children’s waterpark, playground, picnic shelter with outdoor grills, winding trails, and pickleball and basketball courts. —Weichert Realtors® Welch & Company, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

pickle entry 1 + ball entry 1

Note: The game was invented in the summer of 1965 by a group of neighbors on Bainbridge Island, Washington, including then state representative Joel Prichard (1925-97), Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. According to one account, pickle was suggested by pickle boat, a boat in crew rowing made up of rowers not chosen by other teams (as pickleball was amalgamated from features of other paddle sports). Another account claims that pickle was inspired by a dog named Pickles owned by one of the neighbors (though it is also claimed that this dog was named after the sport). (See, among other sources, the website of the USA Pickleball Association, and www.pickleballportal.com.)

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above