root ball

noun

ˈrüt-ˌbȯl 

also ˈru̇t-

variants or less commonly rootball

plural root balls also rootballs

: the compact mass of roots and soil formed by a plant especially in a container

If there are large circling roots or you have a difficult time straightening the roots, the root ball should be thinned and the soil loosened before planting.

—Carey Brothers

Examples of root ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fill the pot with your growing medium and dig a hole that matches the root ball. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 24 June 2026

When a root ball forms—typically after about a week—transplant the cutting to the ground. — Kelly Manning, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026

To water a new tree slowly, lay a hose turned to just a slow trickle on the root ball near the trunk, and leave it for an hour or so, moving it a few times to new spots. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Evaluate the size of the root ball and select a container large enough to give the plant a little room to grow into, but not too much extra space. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for root ball

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale