tennis

American

[ten-is] / ˈtɛn ɪs /

noun

a game played on a rectangular court by two players or two pairs of players equipped with rackets, in which a ball is driven back and forth over a low net that divides the court in half.

tennis British

/ ˈtɛnɪs /

noun

1. a racket game played between two players or pairs of players who hit a ball to and fro over a net on a rectangular court of grass, asphalt, clay, etc See also lawn tennis real tennis court tennis table tennis
2. ( as modifier )
  
  tennis court
  tennis racket

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of tennis

1350–1400; Middle English tenetz, ten ( e ) ys < Anglo-French: take!, imperative plural of tenir to hold, take, receive, apparently used as a server's call

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The luxurious neighborhood offers residents access to 24/7 security, multiple pools, tennis courts and a clubhouse.

From Los Angeles Times

They wanted Dakota and I to be tennis stars.

From Los Angeles Times

"We want to thank Craig for his enormous contribution to tennis in Australia and for his role in developing an outstanding team which is well-equipped to deliver continued success."

From Barron's

But later, her husband bought a bottle of Axe for him to use after tennis practice.

From The Wall Street Journal

I'm just playing great tennis and I'm really happy about this week.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023