volley
UK: ˈvɒli | US: ˈvɑːli
n. 1. A simultaneous discharge of missiles (e.g., arrows, bullets).
n. 2. A series of rapid hits or strikes in sports (e.g., tennis, soccer).
vt. 1. To discharge or strike in a volley.
vi. 1. To fly or be directed in a volley.
The word volley traces back to the 16th century, borrowed from French volée ("flight"), originally referring to the simultaneous flight of arrows or bullets. The Latin root volare ("to fly") underpins its sense of rapid, collective motion. Over time, it expanded to sports terminology, emphasizing quick, successive strikes (e.g., tennis volleys). The suffix -ey solidifies its noun form, capturing the action or result of flying objects.
The archers released a volley of arrows at the enemy.
She returned the tennis ball with a powerful volley.
The soldiers fired a volley into the air as a warning.
In soccer, a well-timed volley can score a spectacular goal.
Protesters threw a volley of stones at the police barricade.