baseball
- 01 A2 Elementary
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.
Simple“We went to the stadium to watch a professional baseball game on Saturday afternoon.”
In context“Baseball remains a significant cultural pastime in North America and East Asia, characterized by its strategic depth and lack of a timed clock.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the sport itself.
- 02 A2 Elementary
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.
Simple“The pitcher threw the baseball so fast that the batter couldn't see it.”
In context“The collector paid a significant sum for a baseball signed by the entire 1927 championship team.”
UsageA countable noun when referring to the physical object.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“During our weekly card game, Mike decided to deal a round of baseball.”
In context“The players grew frustrated with the complexity of baseball, preferring a more traditional game of Texas Hold'em.”
Teacher's tipThis is a niche card game term; most English speakers will only know the sport-related senses.
Usage baseball cap
From base + ball.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.