no ball
noun
an unfairly bowled ball.
no ball
Americannoun
Cricket.
no-ball
British
noun
-
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
-
rounders an illegal ball, esp one bowled too high or too low
verb
Etymology
Origin of no ball
First recorded in 1740–50
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.
See Examples For:
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
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
There is no ball to share, as there is in basketball.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 1, 2020
Can't hold no ball with those butter fingers.
From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds
I bowled a no-ball, a short one that got hit for four first ball.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2025
He would survive being caught off a Tector no-ball but continued to knock Ireland's bowlers to all corners of the ground.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2025
He edged Chris Woakes through the slips in the second over of the day but that was to a delivery that was a front-foot no-ball anyway.
From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2025
India paid the price for dropped catches, a crucial Harry Brook wicket off a no-ball and a tail that refused to wag.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2025
If we are to be in the swim we shall have to reconsider our no-ball rule.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 1, 1914 by Sir Owen Seaman
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