Badminton

/ˈbædmɪntən/ noun

Definition

Badminton is a sport where players hit a light object called a shuttlecock over a high net using rackets. It can be played by two or four players, indoors or outdoors.

Etymology

Named after Badminton House, the country estate of the Duke of Beaufort in England, where a similar game was popular. The name of the place itself is older and unrelated to “bad” or “mint.”

Kelly Says

The sport is literally named after one rich family’s house, the way a toy might be named after a brand. Every time you say “badminton,” you’re echoing the address of a long-ago party game.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.