The word court has several meanings:

1. A place where legal cases are heard and decided. When someone breaks a law or two people have a dispute they can't resolve, they go to court, where a judge (and sometimes a jury) listens to both sides and makes a decision. Courts exist to settle disagreements fairly and uphold the law. You might testify in court as a witness, or serve on a jury when you're older.
2. A level, rectangular area for playing certain sports. A basketball court has hoops at both ends, a tennis court has a net in the middle, and a volleyball court has specific boundary lines. Each type of court has its own dimensions and markings for its particular game.
3. The household and attendants of a king, queen, or other ruler. In medieval times, the royal court included nobles, advisors, servants, and entertainers who lived and worked at the palace. When we say someone “held court,” we mean they sat surrounded by attendants and visitors, like a monarch receiving people.
4. To try to win someone's favor or affection. In older stories, a prince might court a princess by bringing gifts and spending time with her. The word appears in the noun courtship, the period when two people are dating seriously and considering marriage.