handball

[/ˈhændbɔːl/]
nounmasculinepl: handballs
handebol
1. A team sport played between two teams of seven players, where the objective is to throw a ball into the opposing team's goal
The handball tournament attracted teams from across Europe.
O torneio de handebol atraiu equipes de toda a Europa.
2. The ball used in the sport of handball
The goalkeeper caught the handball just before it crossed the line.
O goleiro pegou a bola de handebol pouco antes de ela cruzar a linha.
3. In soccer/football, an infraction where a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm
The referee called handball and awarded a penalty kick.
O árbitro marcou handebol e concedeu um pênalti.
Handball is a significant sport in Brazil, particularly strong in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where it has produced Olympic medallists. Brazil's national team is competitive internationally. In Portugal, the sport (andebol) is also popular and well-established. The term 'handball' in soccer/football contexts refers to a rule violation that can result in penalties or free kicks, making it familiar to football fans worldwide.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
team handballOlympic handball

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
handebol
Standard term used throughout Brazil for the sport
Rio de Janeiro
handebol
Common in sports contexts; Rio has strong handball tradition
São Paulo
handebol
Standard usage; São Paulo is a major handball hub in Brazil
Portugal
andebol
Portuguese spelling without the 'h'; widely practiced sport

Related Words

goalkeepercourtgoalthrowoffensedefense

Related Idioms & Phrases

a handball foul
handball court
handball match
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