ball game

American  

Or ballgame

noun

1. any game played with a ball, especially baseball or softball.

2. Informal. a situation and all its attendant circumstances.

   Having a new administration in power changes the entire ball game at city hall.

3. Archaeology. a ceremonial game of both ritual and sporting significance, played by teams on a ball court in Mesoamerican cultures from the Preclassic period to the Spanish conquest.

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ball game British  

noun

1. any game played with a ball

2. a game of baseball

3. informal a situation; state of affairs (esp in the phrase a whole new ball game )

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Etymology

Origin of ball game

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Selling homes is a whole different ball game, and you have to bring something to the table.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

"I didn't want to lose the opportunity to play Venus, but it's a whole different ball game playing Jess," Jones said.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Because I think if we fall short of that, that’s the end of the ball game.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2025

“As far as kind of winning a ball game tomorrow, I think we’re in a really good spot,” said the ever optimistic Roberts.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2024

Someone had brought them home for me after the ball game, and there they were, on the desk, as though I had never been away.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok