no ball

American  

noun

Cricket.

1. an unfairly bowled ball.

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no-ball British  

noun

1. cricket an illegal ball, as for overstepping the crease, throwing, etc, for which the batting side scores a run, and from which the batsman can be out only by being run out

2. rounders an illegal ball, esp one bowled too high or too low

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1. cricket rounders a call by the umpire indicating a no-ball

verb

1. (tr) cricket

   1. to declare (a bowler) to have bowled a no-ball

   2. to declare (a delivery) to be a no-ball

Etymology

Origin of no ball

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy took a wicket each in the first two overs before Zak Foulkes conceded 24 runs off the third over, which started with a no ball for four and three wides.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Play experts want to ban "no ball games" signs and protect playtime during school breaks, to reduce the time children spend on screens.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2025

“Just tired of watching turnovers and no ball movement, no player movement,” USC coach Andy Enfield said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2024

He hit five sixes and a four in Harshal Patel’s 20th over — with one of the sixes coming off a no ball — for his 28-ball 62.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 25, 2021

We’re about to go inside the store when we hear this thump, like someone has bounced a Super Ball against the store window, only there’s no one there, and no ball.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead