Ball
/bɔːl/noun
A round object used in games or sports; also a formal dance or large social event.
Did you know?The social “ball” comes from French and Latin roots for “dance,” while the sports “ball” is a different word entirely, likely from a Germanic source for something rounded.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
beall
“A rounded object, lump, or swelling”
Old Norse
ON
bollr
“A round body or ball”
Middle English
ME
bal
“A round object; later, a dance or festive gathering”
Old French
OF
bal
“A dance or public ball”
Latin
Latin
ballare
“To dance”
Modern English
English
ball
“A spherical object; a formal dance or gathering”