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Ball Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ball

[bɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A spherical object used in various sports and games, typically made of leather or rubber and filled with air.

Synonyms

orb, sphere, spheroid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ball

This can also refer to a formal social event with dancing.

  • She wore a beautiful gown to the ball.
  • They attended the royal ball.
sphere

Commonly used in scientific or academic contexts to describe a perfectly round 3D object. This term is more technical.

  • A globe is a sphere representing the Earth.
  • The mathematician explained the volume of a sphere.
orb

Used more formally or poetically, often for celestial bodies like stars or planets, or to describe something magical or mystical.

  • The moon appeared as a glowing orb in the night sky.
  • He held a mystical orb in his hand.
spheroid

Often used in geometry and science to describe an object that is almost a sphere but not quite perfect. It's a more specialized term.

  • The planet was described as an oblate spheroid due to its slight bulge at the equator.
  • He studied spheroids in his advanced geometry class.

Examples of usage

  • The basketball player dribbled the ball down the court.
  • The soccer ball flew into the back of the net.
  • She hit the tennis ball with great precision.
  • The baseball pitcher threw the ball with incredible speed.
  • The golf ball landed just inches from the hole.
Context #2 | Noun

dance

A formal social event featuring dancing.

Synonyms

dance, gala, soiree.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ball

A formal and elegant party typically involving dancing. Often associated with higher social classes or historical events.

  • The royal family hosted a grand ball to celebrate the prince's return
  • She wore a stunning gown to the charity ball
dance

A social gathering where music is played and people dance. This can range from casual school events to more formal occasions.

  • The high school is organizing a dance next Friday
  • They met at a dance and instantly liked each other
gala

A large and formal event, often for a charitable cause, that may involve a banquet, entertainment, and dancing. It is usually more elegant and high-profile.

  • The annual fundraising gala attracted many celebrities
  • He donated a significant amount at the charity gala
soiree

An evening party, typically more intimate and sophisticated, often hosted at someone's home or a smaller venue.

  • They attended a cozy soiree at their friend's apartment
  • The gallery hosted a soiree to showcase the new art collection

Examples of usage

  • She looked elegant in her gown at the ball.
  • They waltzed gracefully across the ballroom.
  • The masquerade ball was a night to remember.
  • The charity ball raised funds for a good cause.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A very enjoyable time or experience.

Synonyms

blast, fun, great time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ball

Commonly used in sports or play context to refer to a round object used in games.

  • The kids were playing with a soccer ball in the park
blast

Often used informally to describe a very enjoyable and exciting experience. It can be used for parties, events, or any fun activity.

  • The concert was a blast! We had so much fun
fun

Used to describe activities or experiences that are enjoyable or entertaining in a general sense.

  • The amusement park was so much fun
great time

A general expression for enjoying oneself a lot during an activity or event. It's often used in informal conversations.

  • We had a great time on our vacation!

Examples of usage

  • We had a ball at the concert last night.
  • The vacation was a ball from start to finish.
  • The party was a real ball with great music and food.
Context #4 | Verb

informal

To have a good time; to enjoy oneself.

Synonyms

enjoy, have fun, party.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ball

Use this word to describe a round object used in various games and sports, such as basketball, soccer, or tennis.

  • Pass me the basketball so we can start the game
  • The kids were playing with a beach ball at the shore
have fun

Use this phrase to describe being entertained or having a good time. It is commonly used in casual or informal situations.

  • We had fun at the amusement park today
  • Don't worry about anything and just have fun at the party
enjoy

Use this word to express taking pleasure or delight in something. It is often used when talking about activities, hobbies, or experiences.

  • I really enjoy reading mystery novels
  • They enjoyed their vacation in the mountains
party

Use this word to describe a social gathering where people come together to celebrate, socialize, or enjoy themselves. It can range from casual get-togethers to more elaborate celebrations.

  • We are having a birthday party for John this Saturday
  • The New Year's Eve party was a huge success with fireworks and music

Examples of usage

  • We always ball when we go out together.
  • Let's ball at the beach this weekend!
  • They balled until the early hours of the morning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, balls have been seen as symbols of celebration, such as at masquerade balls, where beauty and disguise are essential.
  • The ball as a playful object has led to countless games globally, fostering social interaction and physical exercise.
  • Traditional balls, like a beach ball or rubber ball, are staples in childhood, representing playfulness and learning.

Physics

  • The shape of a ball allows for uniform distribution of force, making it bounce in a predictable way.
  • Different materials of balls (like rubber or leather) affect their bounce and how they move when thrown or kicked.
  • Gravity plays a crucial role in how a ball behaves when in the air or after hitting the ground.

Sports

  • Almost every sport involves a ball in some form, from basketball to football to tennis, highlighting its versatility.
  • The FIFA World Cup, featuring football, is one of the largest ball-based sporting events in the world, showcasing global talent.
  • Sports with balls often emphasize teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness, contributing to personal and social development.

Literature

  • Balls have appeared in many literary works, often symbolizing unity, beauty, or the cycles of life, like in Shakespeare’s plays.
  • In children's literature, stories often revolve around adventure and imagination using a ball as a central object, fostering creativity.
  • The use of a ball often represents childhood innocence and joy in various poetic forms, celebrating the simplicity of play.

Origin of 'ball'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ball' originates from the Old Norse word 'balla,' which meant a round object.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled 'bal,' further emphasizing its round shape.
  • The concept of a ball has been present in multiple cultures for centuries, with records of balls used in games dating back to ancient Egypt.

The word 'ball' originated from the Old English word 'beall,' which meant a round object. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from sports to social events. The concept of playing with a ball dates back to ancient civilizations, where balls were made from materials like leather, wood, or even animal bladders. Over time, the word 'ball' has evolved to represent not only a physical object but also a symbol of enjoyment and recreation.

See also: ballad, ballet, ballgame, ballot, ballpark, ballroom, balls.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,504, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.