ball vs bawl :

ball or bawl

To “bawl” is to cry out loudly, so when you break down in tears you bawl like a baby and when you reprimand people severely you bawl them out. Don’t use “ball” in these sorts of expressions. It has a number of meanings, but none of them have to do with shouting and wailing unless you’re shouting “play ball!”

Facebook Twitter Google +


Definitions

  • n  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
  • n  a solid projectile that is shot by a musket
    they had to carry a ramrod as well as powder and ball
  • n  an object with a spherical shape
    a ball of fire
  • n  the people assembled at a lavish formal dance
    the ball was already emptying out before the fire alarm sounded
  • n  one of the two male reproductive glands that produce spermatozoa and secrete androgens
    she kicked him in the balls and got away
  • n  a spherical object used as a plaything
    he played with his rubber ball in the bathtub
  • n  United States comedienne best known as the star of a popular television program (1911-1989)
  • n  a compact mass
    a ball of mud caught him on the shoulder
  • n  a lavish dance requiring formal attire
  • n  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
  • n  the game of baseball
  • n  a pitch that is not in the strike zone
    he threw nine straight balls before the manager yanked him
  • v  form into a ball by winding or rolling
    ball wool

  • v  shout loudly and without restraint
  • v  make a raucous noise
  • v  cry loudly
    Don't bawl in public!
News & Articles