no ball

1 of 2

noun

: a bowled ball in a cricket game that because ruled unfair by the umpire cannot take a wicket, does not count as a ball in the over, and counts one run if not otherwise scored from compare extra

no-ball

2 of 2

transitive verb

: to declare a delivery by (a cricket bowler) to be a no ball

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from the umpire's call "no ball"

Transitive verb

no ball

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near no ball

Cite this Entry

“No ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no%20ball. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!