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ball bearing
noun
: a bearing in which the journal turns upon loose hardened steel balls that roll easily in a race
also
: one of the balls in such a bearing
Examples of ball bearing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some globes spin freely on a trio of ball bearings, which allows for closer examination.
—Tom Weijand, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2024
Steel ball bearings that were five feet in diameter.
—Shawna Chen, Axios, 8 Aug. 2024
Guns are just one weapon used in roadside aggression, DeSoto said, with angered drivers reaching for whatever object is available, including ball bearings, rocks, bottles, 2x4s and recently in San Antonio, a spear lobbed through a windshield.
—Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2024
The production of small parts—rocket motors, ball bearings, tubes, steel casings, and other materials essential for the Ukrainians—is not as profitable and, until recently, had less importance for both the U.S. government and defense contractors.
—Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for ball bearing
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ball bearing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ball bearing
Cite this Entry
“Ball bearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20bearing. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
ball bearing
noun1
: a bearing in which the revolving part turns on steel balls that roll easily in a groove
2
: one of the balls in a ball bearing
More from Merriam-Webster on ball bearing
Nglish: Translation of ball bearing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ball bearing
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