As a Noun: 1. A game played by two or four players on a rectangular court. They use rackets to hit a ball over a net which is between them. English = tennis. 2. The beginning of play in tennis when someone throws up the ball and hits it. English = serve. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To play tennis. 2. To throw up the ball in tennis and hit it to start play. English = serve.