A ball girl is a term used in sports to refer to a young girl or woman who retrieves balls that go out of bounds during a game. They are usually stationed at the sidelines or behind the baseline in tennis matches. Ball girls are an essential part of the game, as they help keep the game moving and ensure that the players have a continuous supply of balls.
Definitions
The term ‘ball girl’ refers to a young girl or woman who is responsible for retrieving balls that go out of bounds during a game. Ball girls are commonly seen in tennis matches, but they can also be found in other sports, such as baseball and basketball.
Origin
The origin of the term ‘ball girl’ is not entirely clear. However, it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first recorded use of the term was in a newspaper article about a baseball game in 1905.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of ‘ball girl’ is consistent across various dictionaries. Merriam-Webster defines a ball girl as “a girl who retrieves balls (as in tennis) that go out of bounds during play.” Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a young girl who retrieves balls in a game of tennis, baseball, or other sport.”
Associations
Ball girls are associated with various sports, including tennis, baseball, and basketball. They are also associated with being young and female.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for ‘ball girl’ include ball boy, ball person, and ball retriever.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for ‘ball girl’ as it is a specific term used to describe a particular role in sports.
The same root words
There are no root words associated with ‘ball girl’ as it is a compound noun.
Example Sentences
- The ball girl retrieved the ball that went out of bounds during the tennis match.
- The ball girl was quick to retrieve the baseball that landed in the stands.
- The basketball game was delayed because the ball girl was unable to retrieve the ball from under the bleachers.