ball
A round object used in games and sports that you can kick, throw, or hit. It is typically made of rubber, plastic, or leather and is essential for activities like football, tennis, and basketball.
Examples
3 of 5The children are playing with a colorful ball in the park.
The kids are using a round toy to play outside in the grass area.
The professional league requires a high-quality leather ball for all matches.
The official sports organization needs a top-tier round object for their games.
Hey, throw the ball over here!
Please toss that round object to my location!
Word Family
Memory Tip
A 'ball' is round like the letter 'o' and it is what you use to 'bounce'.
Quick Quiz
He used his foot to kick the ____ into the goal.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ball
Examples
The children are playing with a colorful ball in the park.
everydayThe kids are using a round toy to play outside in the grass area.
The professional league requires a high-quality leather ball for all matches.
formalThe official sports organization needs a top-tier round object for their games.
Hey, throw the ball over here!
informalPlease toss that round object to my location!
The study measures the velocity of the ball upon impact with the racket.
academicThe research looks at how fast the round object moves when hit.
Our brand is proud to be the official ball supplier for the tournament.
businessOur company provides the round sports equipment for the competition.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Keep your eye on the ball
Stay focused on what you are doing.
The ball is in your court
It is your responsibility to make the next move.
Have a ball
To have a very fun time.
Often Confused With
A bowl is a deep dish for food, while a ball is a round object for sports.
Usage Notes
The word 'ball' most commonly refers to sports equipment, but it can also mean a formal social event for dancing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce the 'a' sound; it sounds like /ɔː/ as in 'tall', not /æ/ as in 'bat'.
Memory Tip
A 'ball' is round like the letter 'o' and it is what you use to 'bounce'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'bal', likely derived from Old Norse 'bollr' meaning a round object.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, the type of ball used (e.g., soccer ball vs. cricket ball) defines the national sport.
Quick Quiz
He used his foot to kick the ____ into the goal.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ball
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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teamRelating to or performed by a group of people working togeth...
playerA person who takes part in a sport or game. It can also refe...
gameA game is an activity that people do for fun or competition,...
goalA goal is a specific result or purpose that a person or orga...
More Sports words
soccer
A1Soccer is a team sport played with a round ball where two teams of eleven players try to kick the ball into the opposing team's goal. It is the most popular sport in the world and is played on a rectangular grass or turf field.
golf
A1Golf is an outdoor sport played on a large grass course using various metal or wooden clubs to hit a small white ball. The objective is to hit the ball into a series of small holes in as few strokes as possible.
skiing
A1Skiing is the sport or activity of moving over snow on skis, which are long, narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic. It is a popular winter activity performed for recreation or in professional competitions on mountains and hills.
net
A1A net is a piece of material made from threads or strings tied together with many small holes in it. In sports, it is used to catch a ball or birdie, such as in tennis or soccer, to indicate a point has been scored or to divide a court.
glove
A1A glove is a piece of clothing that covers your hand and wrist to keep it warm or protect it. Each finger usually has its own separate part, unlike a mitten.
shoe
A1A shoe is a piece of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. It usually consists of a sole and a covering made of leather, cloth, or synthetic material.
jersey
A1A jersey is a knitted shirt worn by members of a sports team, usually featuring a player's number and name. It also refers to a soft, stretchy sweater or pullover made from wool or cotton fabric.
socks
A1A piece of clothing made of soft material that you wear on your foot inside your shoe. They are usually sold and worn in pairs to keep your feet warm, dry, or comfortable during physical activities.
equipment
A1Equipment refers to the set of tools, clothing, or objects that you need for a specific activity or purpose. In a sports context, it includes things like balls, rackets, helmets, and nets required to play the game.
gear
A1Gear refers to the clothes and equipment used for a specific activity, especially sports or hobbies. It is usually an uncountable noun that describes the collection of things you need to participate in an event.
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