meatball

noun

meat·​ball ˈmēt-ˌbȯl How to pronounce meatball (audio)
: a small ball of chopped or ground meat often mixed with bread crumbs and spices

Examples of meatball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The meatballs were tender and flavorful, the sauce rich without being overly sweet, and the cheese melted nicely over the top. Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026 Ground chicken is mixed with mild Monterey Jack cheese and a classic buffalo-style seasoning to make these flavorful meatballs. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026 Then there is the cacio e pepe gnocchi appetizer, potato pasta tossed in black pepper and pecorino Romano sauce; Chenzo pizza, red sauce, garlic, ricotta, meatballs and fresh basil and the atlas pizza, andouille sausage, gorgonzola, pickled onion, arugula and hot honey. Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026 Pizza still takes center stage, but the restaurant also offers wings (10 bone-in or boneless) and tenders (four to an order), baked ziti, penne alla vodka, fettuccine alfredo, and spaghetti and meatballs. Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meatball

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meatball was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meatball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meatball. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

meatball

noun
meat·​ball -ˌbȯl How to pronounce meatball (audio)
: a small ball of chopped or ground meat

More from Merriam-Webster on meatball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster