Definition

A person who plays a game involving a ball, particularly in sports like baseball or basketball.

Example

The ballplayer hit a home run during the game.

Conversation

Did you see that amazing catch by the ballplayer last night?

Yeah, it was incredible! He really knows how to play the game.

I wish I could be as good as a professional ballplayer.

With practice, you could definitely get there!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ballplayer → It is formed from "ball" (from Old English *beall*, meaning a spherical object used in games) and "player" (from Old French *plaier*, meaning to engage in a game or sport). The word "ballplayer" refers to a person who plays a game involving a ball.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'spherical object' ('ball') that someone is 'engaging in a game' ('player') with — that's what a ballplayer does.

Visually Confused Words