handball

noun/ˈhændˌbɔl/

Frequency rank: #11,601 most common English word

Meaning

an infraction in soccer where a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm; also a sport played by throwing a ball at a goal.

Illustration for the English word “handball”

Example sentence

The referee called a foul because the defender committed handball in the penalty area.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 11,601–11,700