racket

word

/ˈɹækɪt/
RA-kit
/ɹˈækɪt/
RA-kit

Definition

A racket is a piece of sports equipment used to hit a ball or shuttlecock in games like tennis or badminton. It can also mean a loud, annoying noise, or an illegal or dishonest way of making money.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly, 'racket' means the sports tool. In informal speech, 'What a racket!' means 'What a lot of annoying noise!' In news or crime contexts, 'a racket' often refers to an organized illegal scheme, such as a 'protection racket'.

Example Sentences

It turned out the repair shop was just a racket to overcharge tourists.

natural

He bought a new tennis racket yesterday.

basic

The kids made a lot of racket in the hall.

basic

The police found a stolen-car racket.

basic

Can you keep it down? I'm trying to sleep, and that racket is driving me crazy.

natural

I left my racket in the car, so I had to borrow one at practice.

natural