baseball

base-ball · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players who take turns batting and fielding.

  2. 2.

    The ball used in this game, typically a hard ball with a cork center wrapped in yarn and covered with white leather.

Forms

plural: baseballs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    baseball cap — A soft cap with a rounded crown and a stiff peak.
  • •
    baseball bat — The wooden or metal club used to hit the ball.
  • •
    play hardball — Deal with someone in an uncompromising way.
  • •
    in the ballpark — Approximately correct.
  • •
    cover all bases — Address every possibility.
  • •
    out of left field — Unexpected; surprising.

Related words

See also: base, bat, softball, sport
Synonyms: ball, hardball

Etymology

American English compound from base (referring to the bases runners must touch) + ball (the object used in the game). First attested in 1845, though earlier forms of the game existed.