ball
Translation
ball, formal dance
Examples
The children played with a red ball.
The children played with a red ball.
She wore a beautiful gown to the ball.
She wore a beautiful gown to the ball.
Grammar Patterns
((a/the + ball)) a round object used in games Throw the ball to me.
((a/the + ball)) a formal social gathering for dancing We are going to the winter ball.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sphere, globe (for the object); dance, gala (for the event)
Etymology
The word for a round object comes from Old Norse 'böllr'. The word for a dance comes from Latin 'ballare' (to dance).
Memory Tips
Imagine a round 'ball' rolling into a grand 'ball' (a formal dance). This connects the two main meanings.