ENGLISH
REFERENCE

baseball

n.
US //ˈbeɪsˈbɔɫ// UK //bˈeɪsbɔːl// base·ball
  1. 1 the sport (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    a game played by two teams of nine players who use a bat to hit a ball and run around four bases.

    a team sport played with a bat and ball on a field with four bases arranged in a diamond; the objective is to score runs by circling the bases.

    Example

    We went to the stadium to watch a professional baseball game on Saturday afternoon.

    Example

    Baseball remains a significant cultural pastime in North America and East Asia, characterized by its strategic depth and lack of a timed clock.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the sport itself.

  2. 2 the ball (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    the small, hard, white ball used in the game of baseball.

    the specific ball used in the sport, typically featuring a cork or rubber core wound with yarn and covered in white leather with red stitching.

    Example

    The pitcher threw the baseball so fast that the batter couldn't see it.

    Example

    The collector paid a significant sum for a baseball signed by the entire 1927 championship team.

    Usage

    A countable noun when referring to the physical object.

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  1. 3 poker variant (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal American English

    a type of poker game where certain cards, like 3s and 9s, have special rules.

    a variant of dealer's choice poker in which cards with values corresponding to baseball terms, such as threes and nines, serve as wild cards or trigger extra actions.

    Example

    During our weekly card game, Mike decided to deal a round of baseball.

    Example

    The players grew frustrated with the complexity of baseball, preferring a more traditional game of Texas Hold'em.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a niche card game term; most English speakers will only know the sport-related senses.

Origin

From base + ball.

Idioms1 entry

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