golf ball

American  

noun

1. a small, white ball with a tough cover and a resilient core of rubber, used in playing golf.

2. a ball-shaped printing element on certain electric typewriters.

---

golf ball British  

noun

1. a small resilient, usually white, ball of either two-piece or three-piece construction, the former consisting of a solid inner core with a thick covering of toughened material, the latter consisting of a liquid centre, rubber-wound core, and a thin layer of balata

2. (in some electric typewriters) a small detachable metal sphere, around the surface of which type characters are arranged

---

Etymology

Origin of golf ball

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

He openly supports potential future rule changes that would rollback golf ball technology to limit players’ distance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“As long as I can still hit the golf ball, I’ll do it,” Nicklaus said, adding that he’s played only twice since the start of 2025.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Mr Dalton said: "The second I picked up the golf club and whacked that golf ball I loved it."

From BBC • May 31, 2025

The golf ball and his body hit the ground hard at the same time after he shanks one into the underbrush.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2025

Each group has to build a skyscraper strong enough to support a golf ball.

From "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes