ball
noun (countable)
UK/bɔːl/US/bɑːl/
a large formal gathering for social dancing, typically an elegant event
Example Sentences
They hosted an extravagant ball to celebrate the royal engagement.
Guests at the charity ball dressed in elegant gowns and tuxedos.
The annual masquerade ball is the highlight of the social calendar.
Everyone was excited to dance the night away at the graduation ball.
The ball featured a live orchestra, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Attending a debutante ball involves learning proper etiquette, traditional dances, and formal introductions to society.
Historically, a grand ball was often an opportunity for families to display wealth and social standing, forging strategic connections among the elite.
Her favorite memory from the ball was waltzing under glittering chandeliers in the grand ballroom, feeling like she’d stepped into a fairy tale.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bɔːl/US/bɑːl/
to form or gather into a round mass; to shape something into a sphere
Example Sentences
Tear off a piece of dough and ball it up before placing it on the baking tray.
He balled the paper into a tight wad and threw it into the bin.
Sometimes it’s easier to ball the dough in your hands, ensuring an even shape before kneading.
She balled the blanket to create a makeshift pillow for her nap.
The kitten chased after the yarn he balled at the end of the string.
When making meatballs, many chefs lightly wet their hands to prevent the mixture from sticking as they ball it together.
He instructed the students to ball each piece of clay into a sphere before pressing it into a mold, guiding them step by step toward a finished sculpture.
If you ball the laundry too tightly, it might not dry thoroughly, leading to damp spots and potential odor issues.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A round object used in sports and games or a large formal dance or social event.“Ball” primarily functions as both a noun and a verb, encompassing a range of meanings depending on the context. As a noun, it most commonly refers to a spherical object used in various sports and games, such as a soccer ball, basketball, tennis ball, or baseball. Balls are integral to gameplay, serving as the main element that players interact with to score points, pass, or shoot. They come in different sizes, materials, and designs tailored to specific activities—for example, a golf ball is small and hard, while a beach ball is large and inflatable.Additionally, “ball” can denote a formal social event, typically a large and elegant dance held to celebrate a particular occasion, such as a prom, debutante ball, or charity gala. These events often involve dressing in formal attire, dancing, and socializing in a sophisticated environment. The term can also extend metaphorically to describe any lively gathering or party, especially one characterized by celebration and festivity.As a verb, “ball” means to form something into a spherical shape, such as “balling dough” in baking or “balling up a piece of paper.” It can also imply engaging in activities that involve balls, like playing ball games or handling a ball skillfully.In informal language, “ball” can be used metaphorically to express having a good time, as in “They had a ball at the party,” or to describe success and enjoyment in activities. However, it’s important to note that “ball” can also carry slang meanings, such as referring to testicles, which are typically understood through context.Overall, “ball” is a versatile term that captures both the physical object central to many sports and games and the social connotations of festivity and formal gatherings.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, synonyms and related terms for “ball” include:- **Sports Context**: “sphere,” “orb,” “round object,” “game ball.”- **Social Event Context**: “dance,” “gala,” “soirée,” “masquerade,” “prom.”- **Verb Context**: “sphere,” “round,” “form,” “shape.”- **Slang Context**: Depending on usage, alternatives like “testicles” may be used, though often the term is understood through context.While these alternatives can convey similar meanings, “ball” remains the most concise and widely recognized term across its various applications, making it the preferred choice in most scenarios.
Writing
When using “ball” in formal or academic writing, clarify the specific meaning to avoid ambiguity. For instance:- **Sports and Games**: “The basketball was designed with a durable rubber exterior to withstand high-impact play.”- **Social Events**: “The charity ball raised significant funds for local community projects.”- **Metaphorical Use**: “The team had a ball during the celebration, marking their championship victory.”In descriptive writing, provide details that highlight the context—describe the size, material, and purpose of the ball in sports, or the ambiance and activities at a social ball. If using “ball” metaphorically, ensure the surrounding text supports the intended meaning, whether it’s about enjoyment, celebration, or forming shapes. Additionally, when referring to the verb form, illustrate the action clearly—“She balled the clay into a perfect sphere before molding it into a vase.” Clarifying the context ensures readers accurately interpret the term’s intended use.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “ball” is frequently used in various contexts:- **Sports**: “Let’s grab a ball and play some basketball,” or “He kicked the soccer ball into the net.”- **Social Events**: “Are you going to the prom ball this year?” or “We had a blast at the charity ball last night.”- **Metaphorical**: “We had a ball at the concert,” meaning you had a great time.- **Slang**: Someone might say, “He’s got some serious balls,” using it to imply courage or boldness.- **Everyday Actions**: “Can you ball the paper for me?” meaning to crumple it into a ball.Additionally, phrases like “balling out” can imply living lavishly or excelling in something, while “ballpark figure” refers to an approximate estimate. In casual contexts, “ball” is a versatile term that adapts to discussions about sports, events, personal experiences, and even expressing traits like bravery or boldness.
Etymology
The word “ball” originates from the Old English “beall,” which means a round object used in games, closely related to the Old Norse “bollr” and the Middle Low German “ball.” Its Proto-Germanic root is *balluz, indicating a round object or sphere. Historically, balls have been central to various cultures and activities, from ancient ball games in Mesoamerica to medieval jousting and modern sports like football and basketball. The social meaning of “ball” as a formal dance likely developed from the medieval European tradition of lavish gatherings and dances held in grand halls. Over centuries, the term has maintained its core meanings related to round objects and formal events, while also expanding into metaphorical and slang uses in contemporary language. The versatility of “ball” reflects its long-standing presence in both physical activities and social customs across different societies.