tetherball

noun

teth·​er·​ball ˈte-t͟hər-ˌbȯl How to pronounce tetherball (audio)
: a game played with a ball suspended by a string from an upright pole in which the object is to wrap the string around the pole by striking the ball in a direction opposite to that of one's opponent
also : the ball used in this game

Examples of tetherball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What kinds of games and activities are available at Progress Park? Games and activities include boating, volleyball, shuffleboard, corn hole, horseshoes, gaga ball, tetherball, playground, tree swing, catch and release fishing (guests provide gear and bait) and a giant outdoor chess game. Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 18 June 2024 The living room set was flanked by a piñata and a tetherball with a coffee table and assorted props down in front. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2025 Its 14 wooded acres are peppered with tall, skinny pines and vestiges of its past life: a creaky seesaw here, a tetherball pole there. Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2024 Soccer balls were being kicked, basketballs were being dribbled, tetherballs were being socked. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024 The sheriff’s office said Maximus was later discovered with a rope from a tetherball pole around his neck. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 2 Nov. 2023 The partners also hope to utilize the rest of the property and add shuffleboard, tetherball and other sports. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2023 Eventually, grandma returns, Pedro is elected class president thanks in part to Napoleon's sweet dance moves, Kip and LaFawnDuh get married and ride off together, Uncle Rico breaks his arm and Napoleon goes back to playing tetherball with Deb. Rae Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 26 Jan. 2023 In the coming months, Charly’s will add games like tetherball and corn hole to a courtyard area connected to the restaurant’s deck. Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 5 Oct. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetherball was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Tetherball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetherball. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tetherball

noun
teth·​er·​ball ˈtet͟h-ər-ˌbȯl How to pronounce tetherball (audio)
: a game played with a ball suspended by a string from an upright pole in which the object is to wrap the string around the pole by striking the ball in a direction opposite to that of one's opponent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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