The word "grounders" is a plural noun that refers to a game where players try to catch a ball that was hit and landed on the ground. The spelling of "grounders" is based on the pronunciation of the root word "ground." The IPA phonetic transcription for "grounders" is /ˈɡraʊndərz/. The "ou" in "ground" has a vowel sound that is a combination of the sounds /a/ and /ʊ/. The plural "-ers" ending is pronounced /ərz/ with a schwa sound followed by an "r" and a voiced "z" sound.
Grounders is a term commonly used to refer to a popular outdoor game typically played by children. The game, which requires a minimum of three participants, is a variation of tag and is usually played in open spaces such as playgrounds, parks, or fields. The objective of the game is for one player, known as the "seeker" or "it," to tag other players. However, unlike traditional tag, in grounders, all players must keep their feet on the ground at all times.
The seeker closes their eyes, often covering them with their hands, and counts aloud to a predetermined number (e.g., ten) while the other players scatter and find hiding spots within the designated play area. Once the seeker finishes counting, they then start the search by attempting to locate and tag the hidden players. Meanwhile, the hiders aim to evade the seeker's touch by moving from one hiding place to another while remaining in contact with the ground, hence the name "grounders."
If a hidden player is tagged, they are usually required to join the seeker's team and help find the remaining participants. The game continues until either all participants are found and tagged, or a specific time limit is reached. Grounders serves as a fun and engaging outdoor activity that encourages physical activity, strategic thinking, and social interaction among participants.