volley

views updated

vol·ley / ˈvälē/ • n. (pl. -leys) 1. a number of bullets, arrows, or other projectiles discharged at one time: the infantry let off a couple of volleys. ∎  a series of utterances directed at someone in quick succession: he unleashed a volley of angry questions. ∎  Tennis an exchange of shots. 2. (in sports, esp. tennis or soccer) a strike or kick of the ball made before it touches the ground.• v. (-leys, -leyed) [tr.] (in sports, esp. tennis or soccer) strike or kick (the ball) before it touches the ground: he volleyed home the ball. ∎  score (a goal) with such a shot. ∎  [intr.] (in tennis and similar games) play a pregame point, sometimes in order to determine who will serve first. ∎  utter or discharge in quick succession: the dog was volleying joyful barks.DERIVATIVES: vol·ley·er n.

More From encyclopedia.com