balling
|ball-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈbɔlɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɔːlɪŋ/
(ball)
round object
Etymology
'balling' is formed from the English verb 'ball' + the gerund/participle suffix '-ing'. 'Ball' in English ultimately comes from Old Norse 'bollr' and related Germanic sources referring to a rounded object.
'ball' existed in Old English/Old Norse forms (Old Norse 'bollr', Old English dialectal forms) and in Middle English became 'ball'; the verb sense 'to form into a ball' developed from the noun, and modern English formed 'balling' by adding '-ing'. Slang senses (e.g., to have sex; to live lavishly; to play basketball well) are newer semantic developments in modern English.
Originally it referred to a round object used in games; over time the verb 'to ball' developed to mean 'make into a ball' and later acquired several informal senses (sexual activity, showy wealth, excelling in sport) which are now common in colloquial speech.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of forming something into a ball or the state/result of having been formed into a ball; also used informally to refer to playing basketball ('balling').
Balling the material properly makes sewing easier. / He was balling all evening at the courts.
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Verb 1
present participle/gerund of 'ball': to form or wind (something, e.g. yarn or cloth) into a ball or to shape into a rounded mass.
She's balling the yarn into neat skeins for the project.
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Verb 2
slang (informal): having sexual intercourse; to have sex (present participle/gerund sense of 'to ball').
They were spotted balling at the party last night (slang).
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Adjective 1
slang: living in luxury, showing off wealth, or performing exceptionally well (often in sports); 'balling' can describe someone who is wealthy or playing very well.
After signing the deal, he's been balling with expensive cars and parties.
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Last updated: 2026/01/06 17:06