root ball

noun

ˈrüt-ˌbȯl 

 also  ˈru̇t-

variants or less commonly rootball

plural root balls also rootballs

: the compact mass of roots and soil formed by a plant especially in a container

If there are large circling roots or you have a difficult time straightening the roots, the root ball should be thinned and the soil loosened before planting.

—Carey Brothers

Examples of root ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finally, evaluate the size of the root ball and select a container large enough to give the plant a little room to grow into, but not too much extra space. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025

Trees with a root ball in soilless media need to be well watered before being placed in the ground, and the surrounding soil should also get a good soak. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2025

Tease away the loose soil from the root ball being careful not to break the roots. —Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025

If plants are pot-bound, loosen the roots around the bottom and sides of the root ball and spread them out in the bottom of the planting hole. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for root ball

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale