ball boy

noun

: a male attendant who retrieves balls for players or officials (as in a tennis match or a baseball or basketball game)

Examples of ball boy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Smith called the ball boy over to examine the footballs. — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026 Growing up as a coach’s son meant riding with the team to games and working as a ball boy. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 21 June 2026 Then there was the ball boy, a quiet professional. — Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026 Even on the way to the stadium, ball boys are required to wear Adidas gear, Gabe said. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ball boy

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ball boy was in 1903

Rhymes for ball boy

See All Rhymes for ball boy

Browse Nearby Words

ball bearing
ball boy
ball-breaker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ball boy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20boy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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