- ball
- [[t]bɔ͟ːl[/t]]
♦♦balls, balling, balled1) N-COUNT A ball is a round object that is used in games such as tennis, baseball, soccer, basketball, and cricket.
...a golf ball.
...a tennis ball.
2) N-COUNT: oft N of n A ball is something or an amount of something that has a round shape.Thomas screwed the letter up into a ball...
They heard a loud explosion and saw a ball of fire go up.
3) V-ERG When you ball something or when it balls, it becomes round.[V n adv/prep] He picked up the sheets of paper, and balled them tightly in his fists...
[V adv/prep] His hands balled into fists...
[V-ed] I picked up the balled socks.
PHR-V-ERGBall up means the same as ball.V n P
She balled the handkerchief up and threw it at his feet... Also V P n (not pron) V P Brian's face balled up like a fist.4) N-COUNT: usu the N of n The ball of your foot or the ball of your thumb is the rounded part where your toes join your foot or where your thumb joins your hand.5) N-COUNT A ball is a large formal social event at which people dance.6) N-COUNT: usu pl A man's balls are his testicles. [INFORMAL, VERY RUDE]7) → See also balls8) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that the ball is in someone's court, you mean that it is his or her responsibility to take the next action or decision in a situation.The ball's now in your court - you have to decide what you're going to do.
9) PHRASE: V inflects If you get the ball rolling, set the ball rolling, or start the ball rolling, you start something happening.He will go to the Middle East next week to get the ball rolling again on peace talks...
I just want enough cash to start the ball rolling.
10) PHRASE: V inflects If you are having a ball, you are having a very enjoyable time. [INFORMAL]Outside the boys were sitting on the ground and, going by the gales of laughter, they were having a ball.
11) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep several balls in the air, you try to do several different things at once.The detective has to discover the motive, the means and the opportunity and has to keep these three balls in the air.
...unhappy mothers trying to juggle ten balls in the air.
12) PHRASE: v-link PHR If someone is on the ball, they are very alert and aware of what is happening.She really is on the ball; she's bought houses at auctions so she knows what she's doing.
13) PHRASE: V inflects If someone refuses to play ball, they are unwilling to do what someone wants them to do. [INFORMAL]The association has threatened to withdraw its support if the banks and building societies refuse to play ball.
Phrasal Verbs:- ball up
English dictionary. 2008.
