Basket

Definition

Basket refers to a container made of woven materials such as wood, wicker, or plastic, often with handles, used for holding or carrying items. In sports, it can also refer to the hoop and net through which players aim to score points in basketball.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbæskɪt/
• Respelling: BAS-kit

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːskɪt/
• Respelling: BAH-skit

The pronunciation of "basket" differs slightly between American and British English, especially in the vowel sound of the first syllable.

Etymology

The word "basket" originates from the Old French "baschet," meaning "a small container made of woven material." It is believed to have entered English in the Middle Ages and evolved to describe any woven container used to hold or carry items.

Derivatives

• Basketful (noun)
• Basketry (noun)
• Basketmaker (noun)
• Basketball (noun)
• Basketweave (noun)

Synonyms

• Container
• Bin
• Hamper

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "basket" is widely used to refer to containers made of woven materials, often used for storage or transport. Baskets are common household items used for holding groceries, laundry, or garden produce. The word is also used in sports, particularly basketball, where a "basket" refers to the hoop and net structure. The phrase "basket of goods" is used in economics to refer to a set of products or services, while "basket case" is an informal term meaning someone or something in a state of helplessness or disarray.

Related Terms

• Container: An object used for holding or transporting something.
• Bin: A container for storing or holding items, usually larger than a basket.
• Hoop: The round frame through which points are scored in basketball.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A woven container used for holding or carrying items: Refers to a container typically used for storage or transport, often with handles.
  • Example: "She carried a basket filled with fresh apples."
• The hoop and net in basketball through which players aim to score: Describes the goal in the sport of basketball.
  • Example: "He made a perfect shot, scoring a point through the basket."