n.
Pronunciation: ' bo ̇ l
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English bal, probably from Old English *beall; akin to Old English bealluc testis, Old High German balla ball, Old Norse b ỏ llr, Old English bl ā wan to blow ― more at BLOW
Date: 13th century
1 : a round or roundish body or mass: as a : a spherical or ovoid body used in a game or sport <a tennis ball > ― used figuratively in phrases like the ball is in your court to indicate who has the responsibility or opportunity for further action b : EARTH , GLOBE c : a spherical or conical projectile also : projectiles used in firearms d : a roundish protuberant anatomical structure (as near the tip of a human finger or toe or at the base of a thumb) especially : the part of the sole of the human foot between the toes and arch on which the main weight of the body rests in normal walking
2 a often vulgar : TESTIS b plural (1) often vulgar : NONSENSE ― often used interjectionally (2) often vulgar : NERVE 3
3 : a game in which a ball is thrown, kicked, or struck also : quality of play in such a game
4 a : a pitch not swung at by the batter that fails to pass through the strike zone b : a hit or thrown ball in various games <foul ball >
– on the ball
1 : COMPETENT , KNOWLEDGEABLE , ALERT <the other introductory essay ⋯ is much more on the ball ― Times Lit. Supp. > <keep on the ball >
2 : of ability or competence <if the teacher has something on the ball, the pupils won't squirm much ― New Yorker >