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

His father was a wheeler-dealer who lived by quick wits and the sweat of his brow, dabbling in bootlegged sake, swine farming, loan sharking, and later pachinko parlors—Japan’s ubiquitous low-stakes gambling game of clattering steel ball bearings. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026

These ones from Amazon are a great choice with ball bearings on top for a seamless glide. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2026

According to police and court filings, investigators became concerned after identifying purchases that included explosive-proof containers, ball bearings, a four pound Thermite kit and other gun accessories. —Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 24 Dec. 2025

Researchers highlighted ball bearings, which is on the European Union’s list of high-priority items. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ball bearing

• childbearing
• comparing
• declaring
• despairing
• forbearing
• impairing
• preparing
• repairing
• ridesharing
• seafaring
• timesharing
• uncaring

Kids Definition

ball bearing

noun

1

: 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