a beginning from which an enterprise is launched; "he uses other people's ideas as a springboard for his own"; "reality provides the jumping-off point for his illusions"; "the point of departure of international comparison cannot be an institution but must be the function it carries out"
a pitch that is not in the strike zone; "he threw nine straight balls before the manager yanked him"
the game of baseball
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"
a spherical object used as a plaything; "he played with his rubber ball in the bathtub"
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"
a lavish dance requiring formal attire
a compact mass; "a ball of mud caught him on the shoulder"
the people assembled at a lavish formal dance; "the ball was already emptying out before the fire alarm sounded"
United States comedienne best known as the star of a popular television program (1911-1989)
an object with a spherical shape; "a ball of fire"
form into a ball by winding or rolling; "ball wool"