ground ball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumSport (primarily), Informal (in extended use)
Quick answer
What does “ground ball” mean?
In baseball and softball, a batted ball that bounces or rolls along the ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In baseball and softball, a batted ball that bounces or rolls along the ground.
A term sometimes used in a general or metaphorical sense for any object or concept that stays low or close to the ground.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually exclusive to American English in its core sporting sense, as baseball is not a major sport in the UK. The British equivalents in cricket (e.g., a ball hit along the ground) would not use this term.
Connotations
In AmE, strong sporting connotation; in BrE, it may be understood only by fans of American sports or used in a very literal, non-technical sense (i.e., any ball on the ground).
Frequency
High frequency in AmE sports contexts; extremely low to zero in general BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “ground ball” in a Sentence
[player] fields/hits/throws a ground ball (to [base])The batter hit a ground ball [to shortstop/through the infield]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ground ball” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The pitcher aims to ground ball the hitter to get an easy out.
- He grounded the ball to second base.
adjective
American English
- He is a ground-ball pitcher, famous for inducing double plays.
- The team has a strong ground-ball defence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, potential metaphorical use: 'The project started as a ground ball, with very low initial costs.'
Academic
Virtually nonexistent outside sports sociology or kinesiology studies.
Everyday
Common in AmE among sports fans; otherwise, not typical in general conversation.
Technical
Standard term in baseball/softball coaching, scoring, and commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ground ball”
- Writing as one word: 'groundball' (non-standard).
- Using 'ground ball' to describe a ball that is simply lying on the ground, not in play.
- Pronouncing 'ground' as in 'grind'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'grounder' is a common informal synonym for 'ground ball' in baseball and softball contexts.
Not in everyday language. It would only be used by those familiar with or discussing American baseball.
In baseball jargon, you might hear 'he grounded the ball to shortstop'. The simpler verb is 'to ground', as in 'he grounded out'.
The direct opposite in baseball/softball is a 'fly ball' or a 'pop-up', which are balls hit high into the air.
In baseball and softball, a batted ball that bounces or rolls along the ground.
Ground ball is usually sport (primarily), informal (in extended use) in register.
Ground ball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊnd bɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊnd bɔl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hit the ground running (conceptually related to motion, but not directly connected)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ground' (the earth) + 'ball' – the simplest description: a ball that stays on the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
BASEBALL IS WAR (the ground ball is a tactical weapon, e.g., to advance runners or induce a double play).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'ground ball' a standard technical term?