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

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

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2025

Think blindfolded obstacle courses, pool noodle wars—and the ping-pong ball game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

Then Sir Keir Starmer walks onto the pitch and it seems to be a whole new ball game.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2024

It’s one thing to step on them or jump out of their way when you’re walking by them, but it’s a totally different ball game to have to sleep among them.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall