Meaning and usage of the word ball in English

Meaning of vocabulary ball

ballnoun

quả bóng

/bɔːl/

Meaning of vocabulary <b>ball</b></b>

Origin of the word ball

The word "ball" has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. It's believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "*bolliz" which meant "swelling" or "bulge". This original sense referred to the rounded shape of the body or a tumor. Over time, the meaning of "ball" expanded to include a variety of rounded objects, such as a ball of yarn, a ball of clay, or a projectile. By the 14th century, "ball" was being used to describe playing balls, such as those used in games like tennis or bowling. Today, the word "ball" has become a versatile term with many meanings and applications, from sports to astronomy to informal conversation!

Vocabulary summary ball

typenoun

meaningdance

exampleto give a ball

exampleto open the ball: opening of a dance; (figurative) start of work

typenoun

meaningsphere

exampleto give a ball

exampleto open the ball: opening of a dance; (figurative) start of work

meaningball, board

examplethat horse is not lame but balled: balled: this horse is not lame but has clay (snow...) stuck to its legs and cannot run.

meaningbullet

Example of vocabulary ballnamespace

meaning

a round object used for throwing, hitting or kicking in games and sports

  • a golf/tennis/bowling/soccer ball
  • to hit/throw/kick/catch a ball
  • He kicked the ball into the net.
  • Bounce the ball and try and hit it over the net.
  • The kids were playing with a bat and ball in the park.
meaning

a round object or a thing that has been formed into a round shape

  • The sun was a huge ball of fire low on the horizon.
  • a ball of yarn/string
  • The little girl curled into a ball in her mother's arms.
  • Some animals roll themselves into a ball for protection.
  • He screwed the letter up into a tight ball.
meaning

a kick, hit or throw of the ball in some sports

  • He sent over a high ball.
  • He pounced on a loose ball and scored.
  • That's a great ball from Kane.
meaning

a throw by the pitcher that is outside the strike zone (= the area between the batter's upper arms and knees)

meaning

the part below the big toe or the thumb

meaning

a testicle

meaning

a large formal party with dancing

  • She met him at the ball.
  • We're organizing a charity ball.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary ball

Idioms of vocabulary ball

a ball and chain
a problem that prevents you from doing what you would like to do
  • The responsibility was a ball and chain around my ankle.
the ball is in your/somebody’s court
it is your/somebody’s responsibility to take action next
  • They've offered me the job, so the ball's in my court now.
a ball of energy/fire
(informal)a person who is full of energy and enthusiasm
    carry the ball
    (US English, informal)to take responsibility for getting something done
    • My co-worker was sick, so I had to carry the ball.
    drop the ball
    (North American English, informal)to make a mistake and cause something that you are responsible for to fail
    • Let’s not drop the ball on this.
    get/set/start/keep the ball rolling
    to make something start happening; to make sure that something continues to happen
      have a ball
      (informal)to enjoy yourself a lot
        have something/a lot on the ball
        (US English, informal)to be capable of doing a job very well; to be intelligent
          keep your eye on the ball
          to continue to give your attention to what is most important
            (be) on the ball
            to be aware of and understand what is happening and be able to react quickly
            • The new publicity manager is really on the ball.
            pick up/take the ball and run with it
            (especially North American English)to develop an idea or plan that already exists
            • It's up to the private sector to take the ball and run with it.
            • The mainstream media will pick up the ball and run with it.
            • a challenge to other universities to pick up the ball and run with it
            play ball (with somebody)
            (North American English)to play with a ball
            • Chris was in the park playing ball with the kids.
            (informal)to be willing to work with other people in a helpful way, especially so that somebody can get what they want
            • We contacted the airline about a refund but they wouldn’t play ball.
            the whole ball of wax
            (North American English, informal)the whole thing; everything
            • I panicked, I cried—the whole ball of wax.

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