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

Example Sentences

“During the parade itself, it should be raining, but nothing anywhere near what we just experienced — not even in the same ballpark.”

From Los Angeles Times

I would like the amount they inherit to end up in the same ballpark.

From MarketWatch

For the seven seasons Díaz played for the New York Mets, it was the coolest entrance song in the big leagues, creating the most intimidating scene in any ballpark anywhere.

From Los Angeles Times

“In St. Louis. In Atlanta. In New York. In Chicago. They went wild when Fernando was throwing — 10,000 extra people at the ballpark when he was pitching.”

From Los Angeles Times

Price: Compare prices before signing up to determine if the asking price is in the “reasonable” ballpark.

From Salon

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