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ball

1 ball /ˈbɑːl/ noun
plural balls
1 ball
/ˈbɑːl/
noun
plural balls
Britannica Dictionary definition of BALL
[count] : a usually round object that is used in a game or sport or as a toy
[count] : something that has a round shape
[count] : a round bullet shot out of an old-fashioned gun
[count] : the rounded part of the human foot that is at the bottom of the foot and behind the toes usually plural see picture at foot
informal
[count] often offensive : testicle usually plural
balls [plural] often impolite : the courage that is needed to do something
balls [plural] British, often impolite : nonsense often used as an interjection to express disapproval or annoyance
[count]
sports : a ball that is thrown or hit
see also air ball, curveball, fastball, fly ball, ground ball, fair ball at 1fair, foul ball at 1foul
baseball : a pitch that does not go through the proper area and that the batter does not swing at

carry the ball

US, informal
: to have the responsibility for doing something

drop the ball

US, informal
: to make a mistake especially by not doing something important

get/set/start the ball rolling

informal
: to begin an activity or process

keep the ball rolling

informal
: to cause an activity or process to continue

keep your eye on the ball

informal
: to continue thinking about or giving attention to something important that you want to do or achieve

on the ball

informal
: mentally prepared : aware of what is happening and ready to do what is needed or wanted

play ball

: to begin or continue to play a game with a ball (such as baseball)
: to do what other people want you to do : to cooperate or work with other people

the ball is in your court

◊ If the ball is in your court, you are the person who is expected or required to do something.
compare 3ball
2 ball /ˈbɑːl/ verb
balls; balled; balling
2 ball
/ˈbɑːl/
verb
balls; balled; balling
Britannica Dictionary definition of BALL
[+ object]
: to form (something) into a ball
often + up
3 ball /ˈbɑːl/ noun
plural balls
3 ball
/ˈbɑːl/
noun
plural balls
Britannica Dictionary definition of BALL
[count]
: a large formal party for dancing

have a ball

informal
: to have fun : to spend time in a very enjoyable way
compare 1ball