Ball: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

ball

 

[ bɔːl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
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

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

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

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

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

Translations of the word "ball" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bola

🇮🇳 गेंद (genda)

🇩🇪 Ball

🇮🇩 bola

🇺🇦 м'яч

🇵🇱 piłka

🇯🇵 ボール (bōru)

🇫🇷 balle

🇪🇸 pelota

🇹🇷 top

🇰🇷 공 (gong)

🇸🇦 كرة (kura)

🇨🇿 míč

🇸🇰 lopta

🇨🇳 球 (qiú)

🇸🇮 žoga

🇮🇸 bolti

🇰🇿 доп (dop)

🇬🇪 ბურთი (burti)

🇦🇿 top

🇲🇽 pelota

Etymology

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.