# meatball

/ˈmitˌbɔɫ/ (US) · /mˈiːtbɔːl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meatball
Updated: 2026-06-18

## Definition

a small ball of ground meat, usually beef or pork, that is cooked by frying or boiling. It is a common part of many different cuisines, like Italian or Swedish.

For teachers: a small, round ball of minced meat, typically beef or pork, that is fried, boiled, or baked. Often used as a central ingredient in various global culinary traditions.

## Examples

- I love eating meatballs with tomato sauce and pasta.
- The chef prepared a large batch of meatballs for the family dinner, serving them over a bed of creamy polenta.
- While traditionally associated with Mediterranean and Scandinavian cuisines, the meatball has become a versatile global staple, often adapted to include various spices and vegetables depending on the local culinary landscape.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.