What does hurling mean?
Hurling is an Irish field sport in which two teams of fifteen players use flat wooden sticks, called hurleys, to strike a small, hard ball. Players can carry the ball, pass it to teammates, or strike it long distances, while goals are scored by sending it over the crossbar and points by passing it between the posts. The sport is especially associated with Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association and has strong cultural importance there, although teams and competitions also exist elsewhere. The word also has a general sense meaning to throw or propel something forcefully, as in describing an angry person hurling an object. Hurling is notable for its speed, physical intensity, and the skill required to control the ball with a narrow stick while running and competing for possession. Its importance as a traditional sporting culture makes it more than a game: it is a prominent part of Irish community identity and public life.
An Irish field sport in which players use flat wooden sticks called hurleys to strike a small ball and score points over or between goalposts.
"She has played hurling since childhood and now represents her county."
Usually treated as an uncountable sport name; in British usage, “the hurling” can also refer to a particular match.
To throw or propel something forcefully.
"Angry spectators began hurling objects over the barrier."
This is an uncommon general-English use and is distinct from naming the sport.
Normally used as a mass noun and not pluralized; plural agreement is expressed with words such as “matches,” “teams,” or “players.”
"Hurling is a major part of the local sporting tradition."
Hurling is Ireland’s indigenous stick-and-ball sport, combining remarkable speed, balance, hand-eye coordination, and an unbroken tradition of wooden hurleys.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hurling come from?
The word comes from English hurle, an older form of hurl meaning “to throw” or “to propel.” Its sporting sense developed as the name of the Irish stick-and-ball game, while the general sense of throwing forcefully survives in modern usage. Hurl and hurtle have historically been linked to the same word, although the precise development of hurtle is less straightforward.
Related word forms
How hurling is actually used
In its dominant sense, hurling is a mass noun and is normally treated as uncountable. The verb meaning “to throw forcefully” is less common in modern general English and is easily confused with the name of the sport.
Easily confused with hurling
Hurling is an Irish field sport played with sticks and a small ball, whereas curling is a sport played on ice with stones.