ball bearing

noun

: a bearing in which the journal turns upon loose hardened steel balls that roll easily in a race
also : one of the balls in such a bearing

Examples of ball bearing 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.
These ones from Amazon are a great choice with ball bearings on top for a seamless glide. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2026 For example, look for shower curtain rings fitted with ball bearings. — Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026 As Jonathon Keats didn’t have access to a black hole or neutron star, his gravitational wave cello uses a swinging ball bearing to generate its waves. — Eliza Strickland, IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2018 Just like the ball bearings story, in many cases the weakest node in the supply chain ultimately determines the operational resilience of the entire system. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ball bearing

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ball bearing was in 1860

Rhymes for ball bearing

See All Rhymes for ball bearing

Browse Nearby Words

ball bat
ball bearing
ball boy
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Cite this Entry

“Ball bearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20bearing. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ball bearing

noun
1
: a bearing in which the revolving part turns on steel balls that roll easily in a groove
2
: one of the balls in a ball bearing

More from Merriam-Webster on ball bearing

Nglish: Translation of ball bearing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ball bearing

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