ball
Plural
balls
1
a round object that is used in games and sports, such as soccer, basketball, bowling, etc.
- I hit the ball with a golf club, sending it flying towards the hole.
- I threw the ball to my friend during a game of catch.
- She caught the ball with her glove during the baseball game.
- We played a game of tennis using a yellow ball.
- We watched a game of volleyball and saw the players spike the ball.
3
the protuberant part of someone's hand, foot or thumb that is roundish
The "ball" in the context of the human body refers to the rounded and protuberant part found in someone's hand, foot, or thumb. It often describes the fleshy area or joint where these body parts curve or bulge outward. These "balls" contribute to the overall structure, dexterity, and grip of the hand, provide stability and shock absorption in the foot, and enable movement and opposition in the thumb. Understanding the anatomy and function of these "balls" is important for activities requiring precise hand movements, weight-bearing activities, and fine motor skills.
4
a solid projectile that is shot by a musket
Synonyms:
5
the people assembled at a lavish formal dance
6
a spherical object used as a plaything
8
a baseball pitch that the batter does not swing at and is not called a strike by the umpire because it misses the strike zone
A ball in baseball or softball is a pitch that the batter does not swing at, and the umpire decides it is outside the area where the batter is allowed to hit, known as the strike zone. If the batter does not swing at the pitch and it is called a ball, it does not count as a strike against the batter. After four balls, the batter is allowed to walk to first base. The strike zone is an imaginary area over the plate that extends from the batter's knees to their chest.
- The count is now 2-0 after two consecutive balls.
- He took a close pitch that just missed the outside corner for a ball.
- The umpire signaled a ball after the pitch sailed high above the strike zone.
- The pitcher aimed for the corners but missed, resulting in a ball.
- The batter disciplined himself not to swing at the pitcher's deceptive changeup that dropped low for a ball.
9
a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs
Synonyms:
10
a lavish dance requiring formal attire
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12
United States comedienne best known as the star of a popular television program (1911-1989)
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13
the act of passing the ball in a particular direction or style to a teammate in soccer
In soccer, a ball refers to the act of passing the ball to a teammate in a specific direction or style, depending on the situation. For example, a player might send a long ball over the defense to reach a teammate farther down the field or lift a high ball into the air for a player to attack. The aim is to move the ball quickly and accurately, often to create space or opportunities for scoring. This can involve varying the speed, height, and angle of the pass to best suit the player receiving it and the tactical needs of the team.
- The midfielder delivered a long ball over the top.
- He lofted a high ball into the path of the striker.
- The team relied on quick, accurate balls to break the opposition's defense.
- The midfielder pinged a sharp, diagonal ball to switch the point of attack.
- They directed a low, driven ball into the penalty area.
14
a single delivery bowled by the bowler toward the batsman in cricket
A ball in cricket refers to a single delivery bowled by the bowler toward the batter. It is the basic unit of the game, and the bowler aims to either hit the stumps, get the batter out, or force them into making a mistake. A bowler delivers a series of balls during an over, with each ball representing one opportunity for the batter to score runs or get out. The batter must try to hit the ball effectively or defend it, depending on the situation.
- The bowler delivered a fast ball aimed at the stumps.
- The bowler's slow ball deceived the batsman completely.
- The bowler's first ball was a fast yorker.
- The batsman confidently drove the ball through the covers for four runs.
- The ball swung late, surprising the batsman.