A round object that is used in games and sports, or any object shaped like a sphere. It can also mean a large, formal dance party.
The word comes from Old Norse “bǫllr” and Old High German “ballo,” both meaning a round object. The dancing meaning of “ball” comes from French “bal,” from Latin “ballare,” meaning to dance.
The same short word covers both sports equipment and fancy dance parties because they both center on movement—one of bodies, one of objects. Language reused the sound for two very different but energetic activities.
In English, 'ball' has been used both for a spherical object and for formal dances, which historically were strongly gender‑coded events with rigid male/female roles and expectations. Some sports idioms using 'ball' have also been used in stereotypically masculine contexts, sometimes excluding women or non‑binary players from informal talk of athleticism or leadership.
When referring to dances or events, avoid assuming binary pairings or gendered dress; specify roles without gender where possible. In sports or idioms, use 'ball' in ways that include all participants, not just men, and avoid phrases that equate courage or leadership only with stereotypical masculinity.
["formal dance","social dance","event","sports equipment"]
Women and non‑binary people have long been central to the evolution of social dance and to ball sports, from early women's football and basketball teams to contemporary leadership in coaching and sports science, even when records and coverage minimized their roles.
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