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ballplayer

American  
[bawl-pley-er] / ˈbɔlˌpleɪ ər /

noun

  1. a person who plays ball professionally, especially baseball.

  2. anyone who plays ball.


ballplayer British  
/ ˈbɔːlˌpleɪə /

noun

  1. a player, esp in soccer, with outstanding ability to control the ball

  2. a baseball player, esp a professional

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ballplayer

First recorded in 1610–20; ball 1 + player

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bob was once so popular a ballplayer name that managers had to be careful not to trip over one Bob or another on their way through the clubhouse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 17, 2025

“That guy is probably as big a baseball fan as anybody, just the history of the game and the competition. He’s a ballplayer, and it’s really cool to watch.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

“The more I see him every day the more I realize how special of a person and a ballplayer he is.”

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

The ballplayer will be among the most important artifacts in an exhibit, “Ancient Huasteca Women: Goddesses, Warriors and Governors,” at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, opening Friday.

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2024

Berg had been a mediocre ballplayer at best, hitting .243 over fifteen big league seasons as a backup catcher.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin