grounder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal/Sports/Technical
Quick answer
What does “grounder” mean?
A batted ball in baseball or softball that bounces or rolls along the ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A batted ball in baseball or softball that bounces or rolls along the ground.
A person or thing that grounds something, either literally (e.g., a ship) or figuratively (e.g., a stabilizing influence). Also used in computing for a program that establishes a base state or connection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, baseball terminology is understood but not native; 'grounder' is a direct American import. The non-sports meanings (e.g., a stabilizing person) are rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In the US, strongly connotes baseball. In the UK, it may be recognized but carries no strong cultural association.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English due to the popularity of baseball.
Grammar
How to Use “grounder” in a Sentence
[Player] hit/got/fielded a grounder.A grounder to [position].The [adjective] grounder.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grounder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
adverb
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
adjective
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Virtually unused, except in sports studies.
Everyday
Used mainly in the context of playing or watching baseball/softball.
Technical
Used in baseball coaching/scouting; also in computing (e.g., 'system grounder').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grounder”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grounder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grounder”
- Using 'grounder' to mean 'foundation' or 'basis' (use 'groundwork' or 'basis').
- Confusing with 'grinder' (a machine or a hard worker).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, cricket uses terms like 'ground shot' or simply specifies the type of delivery (e.g., a 'yorker'). 'Grounder' is specific to baseball and softball.
Rarely. It can metaphorically describe a person who keeps others grounded (stable), but this is not common. The primary meaning is a batted ball.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Grounder' is simply a shorter, more informal synonym for 'ground ball'.
No. It belongs to informal, sports, and technical registers. It is not used in formal writing outside specific contexts.
A batted ball in baseball or softball that bounces or rolls along the ground.
Grounder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊn.də(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊn.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hit a grounder: (figuratively) To produce a mundane or unspectacular result.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A GROUNDER is a ball that stays on the GROUND.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERFORMANCE IS TRAJECTORY (a low, ground-based result versus a high, flying success).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'grounder' primarily used?