Baseball: meaning, definitions and examples

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baseball

[ˈbeɪsbɔːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sport

Baseball is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players each, who take turns batting and fielding.

Synonyms

ballgame, hardball, softball.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
baseball	General term for the sport played with a bat and ball, typically played outdoors on a diamond-shaped field. I love to watch baseball games on weekends. He plays baseball with his friends every summer.
ballgame	Can refer to any game involving a ball, but is often used colloquially to refer to a baseball game. We have tickets to the ballgame tonight. The ballgame was postponed due to rain.
softball	A variant of baseball with a larger ball that is typically played on a smaller field, often considered less intense than hardball. She joined a local softball league for fun. Softball is often played in schools as a safer alternative to baseball.
hardball	Specifically refers to the standard form of baseball, as opposed to softball. Also used metaphorically to describe tough or aggressive behavior. He prefers to play hardball rather than softball. In negotiations, sometimes you have to play hardball to get what you want.

Examples of usage

Let's go to the baseball game this weekend.
He has been playing baseball since he was a kid.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

equipment

A baseball is a ball used in the sport of the same name, consisting of a rubber or cork center wrapped in yarn and covered with white horsehide or cowhide.

Synonyms

ball, orb, sphere.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
baseball	Utilized specifically to refer to the sport or the ball used in this game. Often mentioned in sports contexts or conversations about hobbies. He enjoys playing baseball on the weekends. The baseball game starts at 7 PM.
ball	A general term for a round object used in various sports and games. Commonly mentioned in casual conversations about any kind of sport or recreational activity. The kids are playing with a ball in the backyard. Can you throw me the ball?
sphere	A scientific or mathematical term referring to a perfectly round geometrical object. Commonly used in educational or technical contexts. A sphere has all points at an equal distance from its center. In geometry class, we learned about the properties of a sphere.
orb	A term often associated with spheres in a more poetic or dramatic context, sometimes used in literature or descriptions of celestial bodies and mystical objects. The wizard gazed into the glowing orb. An orb of light appeared in the night sky.

Examples of usage

He hit the baseball out of the park.
The pitcher threw the baseball with great speed.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

measurement

In baseball, a base hit is credited to a batter when he safely reaches base after hitting the ball into fair territory without the benefit of an error or fielder's choice.

Synonyms

double, hit, single.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
baseball	Use when referring to the sport itself, a specific event involving the sport, or equipment related to the sport. Baseball is very popular in the United States. Do you want to watch the baseball game tonight?
hit	Use when referring to a successful strike of the ball by the batter, allowing them to run to at least first base. She got a hit every time she was at bat.
single	Use when referring to a hit in baseball where the batter reaches first base safely. He managed to get a single in his last at-bat.
double	Use when talking about a hit in baseball where the batter reaches second base safely. He hit a double in the third inning.

Examples of usage

He got a base hit in the last inning.
The player leads the team in base hits this season.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Baseball has roots in ancient bat-and-ball games played in various cultures, including a game called rounders from England.
The modern rules of baseball were formalized in the 19th century, with the first organized game played in 1846 in Hoboken, New Jersey.
The first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, was established in 1869 and sparked the rise of professional leagues.

Pop Culture

Baseball is often called 'America's pastime', reflecting its status as a favorite sport in American culture.
The film 'Field of Dreams' popularized the idea of baseball being a magical sport that connects past and present.
Famous players like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson have become cultural icons, influencing sports and social movements.

Science

The physics of baseball involves concepts like projectile motion, which explains how the angle and speed of a pitch affect its trajectory.
Research has shown that hitting a baseball requires a quick reaction time, often around 0.3 seconds to make contact.
Baseball's design, particularly its stitching, impacts its aerodynamics. The raised seams help pitchers create spin for better control.

Psychology

Baseball has been studied for its impact on teamwork and social interaction, enhancing communication skills among players.
The psychological effect of 'the slump' in baseball refers to periods of poor performance, which can affect a player's confidence.
Fans often experience a strong sense of community and identity connected to their favorite teams, showcasing the social bond sports create.

Literature

Many novels and poems highlight baseball as a metaphor for life's challenges, using the sport to explore themes of perseverance.
Writers like W.P. Kinsella have captured the spirit of baseball in literature, focusing on nostalgia and its importance in American identity.
Baseball's influence extends to famous works, like 'The Natural' by Bernard Malamud, which intertwines personal dreams with the game.

Translations

Translations of the word "baseball" in other languages:

🇵🇹 beisebol

🇮🇳 बेसबॉल

🇩🇪 Baseball

🇮🇩 bisbol

🇺🇦 бейсбол

🇵🇱 baseball

🇯🇵 野球 (やきゅう)

🇫🇷 baseball

🇪🇸 béisbol

🇹🇷 beyzbol

🇰🇷 야구 (yagu)

🇸🇦 بيسبول

🇨🇿 baseball

🇸🇰 baseball

🇨🇳 棒球 (bàngqiú)

🇸🇮 baseball

🇮🇸 hafnabolti

🇰🇿 бейсбол

🇬🇪 ბეისბოლი

🇦🇿 beysbol

🇲🇽 béisbol

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,059 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7056 terminology
7057 sunshine
7058 calibration
7059 baseball
7060 dietary
7061 guiding
7062 complementary
...