court
KORT
/kɔːrt/
A quadrangular area on which ball games such as tennis, basketball, or squash are played.
Usually implies a hard, flat surface (wood, clay, or concrete) rather than grass.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'cohors', meaning an enclosed yard. It shares the same origin as 'court' (where a king lives) and 'courtesy'. Early tennis was played in the courtyards of palaces.
Collocations
- tennis court
- basketball court
- clay court
- indoor court
Idioms & expressions
- the ball is in your court
Example sentences
- "The champion dominated the grass court, winning the tournament without dropping a set." Tennis match.
- "The players spent hours on the practice court perfecting their free throws." Basketball training.
Memory hook
A 'court' is where 'courteous' people play tennis. Court = Hard surface box.
When not to use
Don't use for soccer or rugby (use 'pitch' or 'field').
Fun facts
- The 'court' in 'law court' and 'tennis court' are the same word because both originally took place in an enclosed yard.
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