balled
|balled|
🇺🇸
/bɔld/
🇬🇧
/bɔːld/
(ball)
round object
Etymology
'ball' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'bǫllr', where the root meant 'round object, sphere'.
'ball' changed from Old English/Old Norse words such as Old Norse 'bǫllr' and Old English forms into Middle English 'bal' and eventually became the modern English word 'ball'.
Initially, it meant 'a round object', and over time it has retained that core sense while also developing related senses (verbs meaning 'to form into a ball' and various idiomatic/slang uses).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'ball' meaning to form or gather something into a ball or round shape; to crumple up.
She balled the paper up and threw it in the bin.
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Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'ball' meaning to attend or dance at a formal ball (dated or literary).
In the novel, the heroine balled every winter at the duke's hall.
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Verb 3
informal/vulgar past tense or past participle of 'ball' meaning to have sexual intercourse (slang).
They balled after the party.
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Adjective 1
formed into a ball or bundled up (used attributively, e.g., 'balled-up socks').
He pulled on his balled socks before leaving.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/06 09:11