ball definition

1. round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
• examples: the ball travelled 90 mph on his serve
• examples: the mayor threw out the first ball
• examples: the ball rolled into the corner pocket
2. an object with a spherical shape
• examples: a ball of fire
3. the people assembled at a lavish formal dance
• examples: the ball was already emptying out before the fire alarm sounded
4. a spherical object used as a plaything
• examples: he played with his rubber ball in the bathtub
5. United States comedienne best known as the star of a popular television program (1911-1989)
6. a compact mass
• examples: a ball of mud caught him on the shoulder
7. a lavish dance requiring formal attire
8. a more or less rounded anatomical body or mass
• examples: the ball at the base of the thumb
• examples: he stood on the balls of his feet
9. the game of baseball
10. a pitch that is not in the strike zone
• examples: he threw nine straight balls before the manager yanked him
11. form into a ball by winding or rolling
• examples: ball wool