n.

1. round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
   
   • the ball travelled 90 mph on his serve
   • the mayor threw out the first ball
   • the ball rolled into the corner pocket
2. a solid projectile that is shot by a musket;
   musket ball
   
   • they had to carry a ramrod as well as powder and ball
3. an object with a spherical shape;
   globe, orb
   
   • a ball of fire
4. the people assembled at a lavish formal dance
   
   • the ball was already emptying out before the fire alarm sounded
5. one of the two male reproductive glands that produce spermatozoa and secrete androgens;
   testis, testicle, orchis, ballock, bollock, nut, egg
   
   • she kicked him in the balls and got away
6. a spherical object used as a plaything
   
   • he played with his rubber ball in the bathtub
7. United States comedienne best known as the star of a popular television program (1911-1989);
   Ball, Lucille Ball
8. a compact mass;
   clod, glob, lump, clump, chunk
   
   • a ball of mud caught him on the shoulder
9. a lavish dance requiring formal attire;
   formal
10. a more or less rounded anatomical body or mass
    
    • the ball at the base of the thumb
    • he stood on the balls of his feet
11. the game of baseball
12. a pitch that is not in the strike zone
    
    • he threw nine straight balls before the manager yanked him

v.

1. form into a ball by winding or rolling
   
   • ball wool