cesta

noun

ces·​ta ˈse-stə How to pronounce cesta (audio)
: a narrow curved wicker basket used to catch and propel the ball in jai alai

Illustration of cesta

Illustration of cesta

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, basket, from Latin cista box, basket

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cesta was in 1897

Rhymes for cesta

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Browse Nearby Words

cest
cesta
Cestida
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Cite this Entry

“Cesta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cesta. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cesta

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