ball 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈbȯl How to pronounce ball (audio)
Definition of ballnext
1
as in sphere
a more or less round body or mass the little rubber ball used in racquetball a ball of string

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2
as in bullet
a usually round or cone-shaped little piece of lead made to be fired from a firearm found a cache of musket balls while excavating the old fort

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ball

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in dance
a social gathering for dancing a ball to celebrate the inauguration

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ball

3 of 3

verb

as in to round
to form into a round compact mass balled up the paper and threw it at the garbage can

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ball
Noun
Beyond that, doing single-leg moves that challenge your center of gravity—like standing on one leg atop a Bosu ball, or doing split squats, for example—is another way to work this muscle group, Dr. Betiku says. — Christa Sgobba, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025 But Sacred Heart chipped away at the lead and Southington started to turn over the ball and by halftime, the Knights’ lead was cut down to 26-23. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025 The faces of irons come with different angles of clubface loft to hit the ball at different heights with different trajectories. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 Like current Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, Johnson has the ability to match up against top wide receivers and make plays on the ball. — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ball

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Cite this Entry

“Ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ball

Nglish: Translation of ball for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ball

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