What does volley mean?
A volley is a rapid series of shots, returns, or comments. In military contexts, it means a concentrated discharge of bullets or other projectiles, often from several weapons at the same time. In tennis and similar racket sports, it names a shot that strikes the ball before it bounces, making it a useful distinction from an ordinary groundstroke. Figuratively, a volley can be an energetic or hostile exchange of questions, accusations, jokes, or remarks. The word is especially memorable because it spans physical, sporting, and verbal contexts: a player may win a point with a volley, an opposing side may fire a volley of shots, and a politician may face a volley of criticism. As a verb, “volley” describes firing, returning, or rapidly sending something back. Its British and American pronunciations differ in the vowel sound, but its broad range of uses is shared.
A series of shots fired or returned in rapid succession, especially a simultaneous discharge of gunfire or a tennis shot that strikes the ball before it bounces. Figuratively, it can mean a rapid exchange of remarks, questions, or criticisms.
"The crowd responded with a noisy volley of whistles."
The military sense emphasizes concentrated gunfire, while the sporting sense emphasizes a shot taken before the ball bounces. The figurative sense is often used for an intense verbal exchange.
To fire a series of shots or projectiles, to strike or return a ball before it bounces, or to respond with a rapid series of remarks or questions.
"The player volleyed the ball into the opposite court."
In sport, the object being volleyed is commonly a ball; in other contexts, the verb often means to send a rapid series of words, questions, or criticisms back and forth.
The regular plural is “volleys,” used for separate groups or series of shots, returns, or verbal exchanges.
"The two teams exchanged volleys throughout the final set."
From the French word for a flight of birds or arrows, “volley” came to describe everything from gunfire to tennis shots and rapid verbal exchanges.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does volley come from?
English “volley” comes through French volée, from voler, meaning “to fly,” ultimately from Latin volare, “to fly.” The word originally developed in military contexts for a flight or discharge of arrows and later gunfire, before acquiring its sporting and figurative uses. Related English words such as “volatile,” “volatility,” and “volant” also trace their origins to Latin volare.
Related word forms
How volley is actually used
In sport, “volley” commonly refers to striking or returning a ball before it touches the ground. In military and figurative contexts, it describes a concentrated burst of gunfire, remarks, or criticism. The standard pronunciation differs noticeably between British and American English.
Easily confused with volley
A valley is a low area of land between hills, while a volley is a rapid series of shots, returns, or comments.