wrecking ball

noun

: a heavy iron or steel ball swung or dropped by a derrick to demolish old buildings

called also wrecker's ball

Examples of wrecking ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Gonzaga senior forward Graham Ike was a left-handed wrecking ball against the Broncos, totaling 21 points, 15 rebounds and four assists — most of that in the first half when the Zags overcame an eight-point deficit to lead 44-39. Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026 He seems tempted by the idea that Trump’s wrecking ball could clear the ground for a cultural rebirth. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 The Royal George is currently being demolished; the Briar Street has an imminent date with the wrecking ball, and boo to both. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 But as Wilson handed off to wrecking ball Marshawn Lynch, Hightower peeled off left tackle Russell Okung’s block and took down Lynch — with his bad arm — at the 1-yard line. Jeff Howe, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrecking ball

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrecking ball was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wrecking ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrecking%20ball. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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