ball boy

American  

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.

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ball boy British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of ball boy

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

"Of course, Barcelona, the impact in my life as a ball boy, football player, manager and so on, is obvious, and of course, Bayern was an incredible step as well," said Guardiola.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

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 • May 20, 2025

A video shows Poland's Swiatek swiping angrily at a ball thrown to her by a ball boy, with the ball landing close to him before bouncing into the stands.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2024

They need not however, be the ones given here,—for "b" it may be "baby," "ball," "boy," or "box," but let it be a word familiar to the class and easily remembered.

From How to Teach Phonics by Williams, Lida M.