tennis-ball
Definition
- Noun:
- A small, hollow, rubber ball covered with a felt fabric, specifically designed for the game of tennis. It is typically yellow or white in color and has a specific weight, size, and bounce regulated by the International Tennis Federation.
Usage Examples
- (A ball used in a tennis match.)
- (A ball used for recreational throwing, originally designed for tennis.)
- (A container of balls used for tennis training.)
Advanced Usage
"to hit a tennis-ball against the wall": to practice tennis strokes alone by hitting a ball against a solid surface.
- He spent hours hitting a tennis-ball against the brick wall to improve his backhand. (A solitary training method using a tennis ball.)
"to be like a tennis-ball": metaphorically, to describe something that bounces back quickly or is repeatedly struck.
- In the argument, he felt like a tennis-ball being hit back and forth between the two speakers. (A vivid simile for being tossed between opposing forces.)
Variants and Related Words
Tennis (n): the sport or game in which a tennis-ball is used.
- She plays tennis every weekend. (The game involving a racket and a tennis-ball.)
Ball (n): a general term for a spherical object used in many games, including a tennis-ball.
- The children played with a ball in the yard. (A generic spherical object.)
Synonyms
- Felt-covered ball: a descriptive term for a tennis-ball, emphasizing its material.
- Tennis sphere: a less common, technical synonym used in sports science.
Related Idioms
"to keep your eye on the ball": to stay focused on the main issue or task, derived from watching a tennis-ball during play.
- In business, you must always keep your eye on the ball to succeed. (Stay attentive to the primary goal.)
"the ball is in your court": to indicate that it is someone's turn to take action, originating from tennis where the ball is on one player's side.
- I've made my offer; now the ball is in your court. (It is your responsibility to respond.)