ball boy

noun

1. Tennis.,  an attendant, usually a boy or young man, employed to retrieve balls and supply players with them.

2. Baseball.,  an attendant, usually a boy or young man, who retrieves foul balls and brings the umpire new balls during the game.

ball boy

noun

1. (in sport, esp tennis) a person who retrieves balls that go out of play

Word History and Origins

Origin of ball boy¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The ball boys and girls were also given cooling scarves, while spectators attempted to shade themselves with hats, umbrellas and even towels, and others cooled themselves with hand-held fans.

From BBC

In March, Swiatek was criticised for reacting angrily towards a ball boy at Indian Wells, then given extra security after being verbally abused by an "aggressive and taunting" fan in Miami.

From BBC

But, first, let's talk you through a night which saw a Portuguese legend miss a penalty, a German ball boy become a hero and very nearly an Italian comeback to end all comebacks.

From BBC

Iga Swiatek is "not proud" of the way she took her frustration in Indian Wells out on a ball boy but has criticised the "standards" she faces in her behaviour as "not healthy".

From BBC

Sanchez, a year older, was the ball boy again.

From Los Angeles Times