ballpark

American  

[bawl-pahrk] / ˈbɔlˌpɑrk /

Or ball park

noun

1. a tract of land where ball games, especially baseball, are played.

2. a baseball stadium.

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adjective

1. Informal. being an approximation, based on an educated guess.

   Give me a ballpark figure on our total expenses for next year.

idioms

1. in the ballpark, within reasonable, acceptable, or expected limits.

   The price may go up another $10, but that's still in the ballpark.

ballpark British  

/ ˈbɔːlˌpɑːk /

noun

1. a stadium used for baseball games

2. informal

   1. approximate range

      in the right ballpark

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ballpark figure

3. informal a situation; state of affairs

   it's a whole new ballpark for him

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Etymology

Origin of ballpark

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; ball ¹ + park

Explanation

A ballpark is the area where baseball is played. When you go to the ballpark, you can sit in the stands, eat a hot dog, and cheer for your favorite team. Ballpark is an American word from the late 1800s, originally a shortened form of baseball park. The ballpark is familiar to baseball fans, their equivalent of a football stadium or a tennis court. Colloquially, you can be "in the ballpark" when you're close or within a certain range: "I'm just guessing how much that car costs, but I bet I'm in the ballpark."

Example Sentences

Zalupski said the Rays “remain committed to advancing this effort in a way that benefits the community, supports long-term success and delivers a ballpark in which everyone can be proud.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Then Chaney showed up to the ballpark and saw the man who would go on to create CNN wearing a Braves uniform and outfielder Cito Gaston’s spikes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Dodger Stadium also employs facial recognition technology for guests who want to use the “Go Ahead Entry” at certain gates into the ballpark.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

“By your late 30s, I’d say five to ten years’ worth of living expenses saved is a good ballpark to be in,” Herzog says.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I don’t want to be in the same league as them—hell, I don’t even want to be in the same ballpark.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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