What is the main difference between hockey in the US and the UK?

In the US and Canada, 'hockey' by default means ice hockey. In the UK and many other countries, 'hockey' by default means field hockey.

Is hockey an Olympic sport?

Yes, both field hockey and ice hockey are Olympic sports. Field hockey has been in the Summer Olympics since 1908 (men) and 1980 (women). Ice hockey has been in the Winter Olympics since 1920 (men) and 1998 (women).

What protective equipment is essential for ice hockey?

Essential equipment includes a helmet with a cage or visor, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, a protective cup, hockey pants, and ice skates. A mouthguard is also highly recommended.

Can 'hockey' be used as a verb?

Yes, though it's informal. It means 'to play hockey'. Example: 'We were hockeying on the pond all afternoon.'

Is “hockey” formal?

Hockey is usually informal, neutral, technical (sports contexts). in register.

How do you pronounce “hockey”?

Hockey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒk.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

hockey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈhɒk.i/US/ˈhɑː.ki/

Informal, neutral, technical (sports contexts).

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “hockey” mean?

A game played on a field or on ice between two teams of players who use sticks to hit a ball or a puck towards a goal.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A game played on a field or on ice between two teams of players who use sticks to hit a ball or a puck towards a goal.

The term can also refer generically to the sport itself, the culture surrounding it, or be used as a modifier (e.g., hockey team). In specific contexts, 'field hockey' refers to the version played on grass or turf, while 'ice hockey' is the version played on ice.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'hockey' alone refers to field hockey; 'ice hockey' is the full term. In American English, 'hockey' alone refers to ice hockey; 'field hockey' is the full term.

Connotations

In the UK, it connotes a popular school and club sport. In North America, it connotes a major professional league (NHL), physicality, and winter culture.

Frequency

Higher frequency in Canada and northern US states. In the UK, common in school/sports contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “hockey” in a Sentence

play + hockeywatch + hockeya game of + hockeythe + [adjective] + hockey + team

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

play hockeyhockey gamehockey playerhockey stickhockey puckhockey rinkice hockeyfield hockey

medium

hockey teamhockey leaguehockey seasonprofessional hockeystreet hockeyhockey fan

weak

hockey pitchhockey helmethockey gloveshockey skates

Examples

Examples of “hockey” in a Sentence

verb

British English

He was hockeying for the county team.

American English

They spent the afternoon hockeying on the frozen pond.

adverb

British English

This is rarely used. Possibly: 'They played hockey-like.'

American English

This is rarely used. Possibly: 'He checked him hockey-style.'

adjective

British English

She bought new hockey boots for the season.
The hockey pitch was resurfaced.

American English

He has a hockey game tonight.
The hockey arena was packed.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to the sports industry, franchise management, or sponsorship deals (e.g., 'The hockey team's valuation has soared.').

Academic

Used in sports science, sociology of sport, or historical studies of games.

Everyday

Common in discussions about weekend activities, sports news, or school clubs.

Technical

Used in coaching, sports medicine, equipment manufacturing, and rules adjudication.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “hockey”

Neutral

ice hockey (AmE for hockey)field hockey (BrE for hockey)

Weak

shinny (CanE informal for informal ice hockey)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “hockey”

non-contact sportindividual sport

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “hockey”

Using 'hockey' without specifying 'field' or 'ice' in international/mixed company.
Pronouncing the 'h' as silent (it is pronounced).
Confusing equipment: ice hockey uses a puck; field hockey uses a ball.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: In the US and Canada, 'hockey' by default means ice hockey. In the UK and many other countries, 'hockey' by default means field hockey.
: Yes, both field hockey and ice hockey are Olympic sports. Field hockey has been in the Summer Olympics since 1908 (men) and 1980 (women). Ice hockey has been in the Winter Olympics since 1920 (men) and 1998 (women).
: Essential equipment includes a helmet with a cage or visor, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, a protective cup, hockey pants, and ice skates. A mouthguard is also highly recommended.
: Yes, though it's informal. It means 'to play hockey'. Example: 'We were hockeying on the pond all afternoon.'
: A game played on a field or on ice between two teams of players who use sticks to hit a ball or a puck towards a goal.
: Hockey is usually informal, neutral, technical (sports contexts). in register.
: Hockey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒk.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“hat trick (three goals by one player in a game)”
“power play”
“breakaway goal”
“drop the gloves (to start a fight)”
“rink rat (someone who spends excessive time at the rink)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a HOOK on the end of a stick used to CATCH (key) a puck. HOC-KEY.

Conceptual Metaphor

WAR/BATTLE (e.g., defensive strategy, offensive line, attacking the zone, battling in the corners).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In the UK, if someone says they have a match this afternoon, they most likely need a stick and a ball, not skates.

Multiple Choice

In which country would the word 'hockey' most likely be understood to mean 'field hockey' without further specification?