WordGarden.iovolley
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈɒli/
US
- /ˈvɑli/
Meanings
Noun
a shot made before the ball bounces, or a quick exchange of such shots
a rapid series of questions, remarks, criticism, or similar communication
a simultaneous burst of bullets, arrows, or similar projectiles
Verb
to hit or kick a ball before it touches the ground
to send or throw back quickly, especially as a spoken reply or question
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tennis match: a volley is the moment when a player hits the ball before it touches the ground. But the word is not just for sports. It can also describe a quick burst or exchange, like a volley of questions at a press conference or a volley of insults in an angry argument. Think of it as several things being sent, fired, or thrown all at once or one after another very quickly. Whether it is a debate filled with accusations or a fast back-and-forth of replies, the word carries a sense of speed and pressure.
A volley describes a series of things—like objects, words, or actions—discharged or exchanged in quick succession. It evokes a sense of speed and intensity, often implying a coordinated burst or a spirited interaction between two parties.
The word has roots in both sports and history. Originally, a "volley" referred to the simultaneous firing of many weapons, like a volley of arrows in a medieval battle or a volley of gunfire. In sports like tennis or volleyball, it refers specifically to hitting the ball before it bounces, a move intended to keep the pressure on an opponent. This core idea of a swift, direct strike is central to all its meanings.
Figuratively, a volley suggests a dynamic and sometimes overwhelming situation. You might hear about a volley of criticism directed at a politician or a volley of cheers from a crowd. It can also describe a quick exchange of words: "The two leaders traded a volley of angry remarks." In news writing, it may refer to a sudden wave of actions, such as a volley of new accusations or attacks.
Ultimately, whether you are watching a player strike a ball out of the air or listening to a sharp exchange of words, a volley is about speed, force, and things coming in a quick burst or moving rapidly between sides.
Examples
- 1
Soccer shot
She met the cross with a clean volley and scored.
- 2
Tennis exchange
The two players stayed close to the net and volleyed the ball back and forth.
- 3
Press questions
The minister faced a volley of questions after the speech.
- Patterna volley of + questions/criticism
many coming quickly one after another
- 4
Online criticism
His remarks triggered a volley of criticism online.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- volleynounverb
Forms
- volleyspluralnounverb
- volleyedpast tenseverbnoun
- volleying-ing formverbnoun