ball

ball · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A spherical or nearly spherical object used in games and sports.

  2. 2.

    Any round or spherical object.

  3. 3.

    A rounded part of the body, especially of the foot or thumb.

  4. 4.

    A formal social gathering for dancing.

  5. 5.

    [baseball]A pitch outside the strike zone not swung at.

  6. 6.

    Form into a ball shape.

Forms

plural: balls

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    have a ball — To enjoy oneself greatly.
  • •
    the ball is in your court — It's your turn to act.
  • •
    keep the ball rolling — Maintain momentum.
  • •
    drop the ball — Fail to do something properly.
  • •
    on the ball — Alert and efficient.
  • •
    ball and chain — Something that restricts freedom; informally, a spouse.
  • •
    play ball — Cooperate; start a game.

Related words

See also: dance, game, sphere, sports
Synonyms: globe, orb, sphere

Etymology

From Old Norse bollr ("ball") and from Old French bal ("dance"), from Late Latin ballare ("to dance").