American English
/bɔl/
One syllable.
a round object used in a game, sport, or as a toy
“Ball” is usually pronounced /bɔɫ/. In some American accents, you may hear /bɑɫ/ instead; both pronunciations are correct.
a round object used in a game, sport, or as a toy
The dog chased the ball across the yard.
She threw the ball to her brother.
soccer ball · tennis ball · kick a ball · catch a ball
play with + a ball
kick/throw/hit + the ball
a round shape or mass made from something soft or flexible
He rolled the clay into a small ball.
She made a ball of paper and tossed it into the recycling bin.
ball of clay · ball of paper
a ball of + material
roll + something + into a ball
a large formal event where people dance
They went to a charity ball on Saturday.
Everyone wore formal clothes to the ball.
A ball is usually a formal dance, not simply any party.
charity ball · formal ball · attend a ball
go to + a/the + ball
to start an activity or process
Let's get the ball rolling with a short meeting.
alert and quick to understand or act
Mia is really on the ball today.
to have a very good time
We had a ball at the beach.