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

Given that a Claymore is a curved block of C4 explosive with a layer of epoxy on the front embedded with about 700 ball bearings, the mine is a small, highly lethal munition. —New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025

Each strand consists of a 1/16-inch aircraft cable with an eyelet, a ball bearing swivel clip of the type used in fishing, along with a fishing snap clip. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2025

With five ball bearings and a roller bearing inside the reel designed to reduce friction, reeling in your catch is smooth and efficient. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025

Precision ball bearings keep the barrels in alignment. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 24 July 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