Definition

1. Noun:
   • A boy who retrieves balls for tennis players: A "ball boy" is a young male attendant, typically at a tennis court, whose primary duty is to collect and return tennis balls that go out of play during a match or practice session.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ball boy quickly ran to fetch the ball that had gone wide.
  • He started his career in tennis as a ball boy at the local club.
  • A good ball boy must be attentive and fast.

Advanced Usage

• The term is specific to the sport of tennis. While other sports may have similar roles (e.g., ball persons in baseball or soccer), they are not typically referred to as "ball boys."
• In professional tournaments, "ball boys" and "ball girls" are often collectively called "ball crew" or "ball kids."

Variants and Related Words

• Ball girl (n): A girl who performs the same retrieving duties as a ball boy.
  • The tournament employs both ball boys and ball girls.
• Ball person (n): A gender-neutral term for someone who retrieves balls.
  • She worked as a ball person at the US Open.

Synonyms

• Court attendant: A more formal term for someone who assists on the tennis court.
• Retriever: In the specific context of fetching balls (though this is less common and more general).

Notes on Meaning

• The role is almost exclusively associated with tennis. It is not used for similar positions in other ball sports.
• The position is considered an entry-level job or volunteer opportunity in the sport, often for teenagers.

Noun

1. a boy who retrieves balls for tennis players