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

The comment was disrespectful, said Ms Haley, who added that she could "feel my eyes balling up, and everything, just because it was just so deeply offensive in that moment".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2025

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

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2024

“He’s balling, man. He’s showing some crazy stuff. He’s really developed,” offensive lineman Sam Cosmi said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2023

“To see them out there balling and scoring, it’s just like it’s my little brother out there scoring. So we’re just happy to see them execute and living out their dream.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

Fuchsia rips off another section of the flyer and starts balling it up between her fingers.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden