balling

American  

[baw-lin] / ˈbɔ lɪn /

Also ballin’,

verb

1. Slang. living a lavish, flashy, or extravagant lifestyle, especially spending freely while partying.

   It’s not fair that he’s out ballin’ in the club while she’s home taking care of their kids.

2. Informal. present participle of ball, in the sense of playing basketball.

   Y’all remember those summers we spent ballin on the court shooting threes?

3. Slang: Vulgar. present participle of ball, in the sense of having sexual intercourse.

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adjective

Slang.

1. lavish, flashy, or extravagant.

   He really doesn’t have the kind of money to keep up this balling lifestyle.

Etymology

Origin of balling

First recorded in 1660–70; ball ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ); 1990–95 balling for def. 2, ball ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ); 1960–65 balling for def. 3, ball ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

"It's all dog, all the time," he said of Roscoe's balling talents.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

They are local heroes in brilliant yellow who have risen from the brink of bankruptcy to balling like a frost-kissed Brazil.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“I was balling in Maryland but I wasn’t getting the looks I needed so I wanted to show I can ball on both sides of the country,” said Torres, son of head coach Joe Torres.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2024

“I’m telling you!” she cried, balling up her fists.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2024

After they leave, Nino Carlitos slouches on the sofa, folding origami and then balling the paper up and throwing it against the wall.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau