ball
Looking for the meaning of ball? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A solid or hollow sphere, or roughly spherical mass.
“a ball of spittle; a fecal ball”
A round or ellipsoidal object.
(mildly, usually in the plural) A testicle.
A leather-covered cushion, fastened to a handle called a ballstock; formerly used by printers for inking the form, then superseded by the roller.
A large pill, a form in which medicine was given to horses; a bolus.
To form or wind into a ball.
“to ball cotton”
To heat in a furnace and form into balls for rolling.
To have sexual intercourse with.
To gather balls which cling to the feet, as of damp snow or clay; to gather into balls.
“The horse balls; the snow balls.”
(usually in present participle) To be hip or cool.
To play basketball.
To punish by affixing a ball and chain
An appeal by the crowd for holding the ball against a tackled player. This is heard almost any time an opposition player is tackled, without regard to whether the rules about "prior opportunity" to dispose of the ball are fulfilled.
Understanding "ball"
The word **"ball"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/bɔːl/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"ball"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "ball" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "ball" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "ball" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /bɔːl/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "ball" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "ball" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "ball" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "ball". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/bɔːl/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "ball" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use ball in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "ball" can be used in academic and casual conversations.