Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

ball bearing

noun

Definition of ball bearing

: 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

See ball bearing defined for English-language learners

See ball bearing defined for kids

First Known Use of ball bearing

1860

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

BALL BEARING Defined for English Language Learners

ball bearing

noun

Definition of ball bearing for English Language Learners

  • : a part of a machine in which another part (such as a metal pole) turns easily

  • : one of the balls in a ball bearing

BALL BEARING Defined for Kids

ball bearing

noun

Definition of ball bearing for Students

1 : a bearing in which the revolving part turns on metal balls that roll easily in a groove
2 : one of the balls in a ball bearing

Learn More about ball bearing

  1. See words that rhyme with ball bearing Spanish Central: Translation of ball bearing Nglish: Translation of ball bearing for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ball bearing

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ball bearing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

balmy

play

soothing, mild, or foolish

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

ball bearing

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games