Ball or Bawl?

The difference between "Ball" and "Bawl"

"Ball" and "bawl" are easy to confuse.

• "Ball" is a noun that describes a spherical object or a social gathering or dance. For example:
• Roll the dough into a ball about the size of a tennis ball.
• Cinderella was late for the ball.
• As a noun, "bawl" describes a loud yelling noise. For example:
• Who was responsible for that bawl?
(Often, the word "bawling" is used.)
• As a verb, "to bawl" means to shout or scream loudly. For example:
• Don't bawl at me!

More about "Ball" and "Bawl"

Ball

The word "ball" is a noun with two meanings. It can describe a spherical shape. A ball can either be solid or hollow. It most typically refers to an object that is kicked, thrown, or hit in a game (e.g., football, cricket ball, soccer ball).
It also refers to a formal social gathering where guests can dance.

Examples:

• If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.
• My pitching philosophy is simple - keep the ball way from the bat.
• The women are getting dressed up in their best gowns and going to a royal ball.

Bawl

The word "bawl" can be used as a noun or a verb. When used as a noun, "bawl" is a loud, unrestrained shout. As a verb, it means to cry or scream noisily and unrestrainedly.

Examples:

• He showed his lung power with a loud bawl.
(Here, "bawl" is a noun.)
• I'm going through a stage where the dumbest things make me bawl.
(Here, "bawl" is a verb.)
• If you want to cry, bawl. If you need help, raise your hand and jump up and down.
(Here, "bawl" is a verb.)