dodge ball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal, general
Quick answer
What does “dodge ball” mean?
A game in which players try to hit opponents with a ball while avoiding being hit themselves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A game in which players try to hit opponents with a ball while avoiding being hit themselves.
The activity, game, or sport of playing dodgeball; by extension, any situation resembling the competitive, evasive, or confrontational dynamics of the game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game is known and played in both regions but is more culturally entrenched in North American school and recreational contexts. The spelling 'dodgeball' (single word) is dominant in both, but the UK may occasionally use the open form 'dodge ball'.
Connotations
In the US, strong associations with school physical education (P.E.) classes, childhood, and organized adult leagues. In the UK, often seen as an American import game, less central to the standard P.E. curriculum.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to its cultural prominence.
Grammar
How to Use “dodge ball” in a Sentence
play [dodgeball]get hit by [a/the dodgeball]throw [the dodgeball] at [someone]organise [a dodgeball match]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dodge ball” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He joined a local dodgeball league.
- The dodgeball tournament is on Saturday.
American English
- She's a dodgeball champion.
- We need more dodgeball equipment for the gym class.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for avoiding responsibility, blame, or difficult questions ('The meeting turned into a session of blame dodgeball.').
Academic
Rare, except in studies of physical education, sports sociology, or child development.
Everyday
Common when discussing school memories, recreational sports, or describing chaotic group situations.
Technical
Used in sports science for motor skill analysis or in physiotherapy for coordination exercises.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dodge ball”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dodge ball”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dodge ball”
- Spelling as two words 'dodge ball' (less common now). Using as a verb '*We dodgeballed yesterday.' (Incorrect; use 'played dodgeball').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The single word 'dodgeball' is now the standard spelling, though 'dodge ball' (two words) is occasionally seen.
No, it is not standard. Use 'play dodgeball' (e.g., 'Let's play dodgeball,' not 'Let's dodgeball').
No. While strongly associated with school PE, organized adult leagues and competitive tournaments are common, particularly in North America.
The primary skills are dodging (evading the ball), throwing accurately, and catching (which often eliminates the thrower).
A game in which players try to hit opponents with a ball while avoiding being hit themselves.
Dodge ball is usually informal, general in register.
Dodge ball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒdʒbɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːdʒbɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a game of dodgeball (chaotic and confrontational)”
- “play corporate dodgeball (avoid blame in business)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DODGE the BALL. The name tells you exactly what to do in the game.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/ARGUMENT IS A GAME OF DODGEBALL (evading attacks, being targeted, competitive elimination).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern spelling?