plural noun
Round objects used in games, sports, or as toys.
The children played with different balls in the park.
The coach put the balls in a large bag.
American English
How to pronounce balls
nounA1Very common word
BAWLZ
/bɔlz/
One syllable.
Form of ball
Round objects used in games, sports, or as toys.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
Round shapes or masses made from something soft or flexible.
The artist shaped three balls of clay.
She made balls from old newspapers.
plural noun
Large formal events where people dance.
The school hosted two charity balls.
They attended several formal balls that year.
Good to know
These are formal dances, not simply any parties.
plural noun
A vulgar word for a man's testicles.
He got hit in the balls during the game.
The boxer protected his balls with both hands.
Good to know
This meaning is vulgar. Use testicles in formal situations.
Useful expressions
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.