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.—
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Carey BrothersExamples of root ball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fill the container about halfway with potting soil, then gently loosen the root ball.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026
Loosen the edges of the roots, and place the hydrangea in the pot, leaving 2-3 inches above the root ball.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
When the hole is half full, use your foot to gently tamp down the soil around the root ball.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Plant seedlings so that the top of the root ball is two to three inches below the soil level.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for root ball
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Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026
Loosen the edges of the roots, and place the hydrangea in the pot, leaving 2-3 inches above the root ball.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
When the hole is half full, use your foot to gently tamp down the soil around the root ball.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Plant seedlings so that the top of the root ball is two to three inches below the soil level.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for root ball
Cite this Entry
“Root ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20ball. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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