basket

noun

bas·​ket ˈba-skit How to pronounce basket (audio)
 British also  ˈbä-
1
a
: a receptacle made of interwoven material (such as osiers)
b
: any of various lightweight usually wood containers
c
: the quantity contained in a basket
2
: something that resembles a basket especially in shape or use
3
a
: a net open at the bottom and suspended from a metal ring that constitutes the goal in basketball
b
: a field goal in basketball
4
a
: an aggregate of values (as of selected currencies) the average of which serves as a monetary standard
b
: a selection of financial instruments (such as equities, futures, or options) the values of which reflect market fluctuations
5
: a ring around the lower end of a ski pole that keeps the pole from sinking too deep in snow

Examples of basket in a Sentence

They brought their lunch in a picnic basket. His shot missed the basket completely.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cook the nuts and seeds for 5 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for an even roast. Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Aug. 2025 Focus on these tasks instead: Keep up with watering, especially for hanging baskets and raised beds. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2025 Cunningham wrapped up Sheldon under the basket on a hard foul in the fourth quarter, and the two were ejected. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Winner Photos of Laina resting in a basket; and looking up at the camera through a trolley. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for basket

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French; akin to Old French baschoue wooden vessel; both from Latin bascauda kind of basin, of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Irish basc necklace — more at fascia

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of basket was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basket.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basket. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
a
: a container made by weaving together materials (as reeds, straw, or strips of wood)
b
: the contents of a basket
2
: something that resembles a basket
3
a
: a net open at the bottom and hung from a metal ring that is the goal in basketball
b
: a score made in basketball by tossing the ball through the basket

More from Merriam-Webster on basket

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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