object ball

American  

noun

Billiards, Pool.

1. the first ball struck by the cue ball in making a carom.

2. a ball to be struck by the cue ball; any ball except the cue ball.

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object ball British  

noun

1. billiards snooker any ball except the cue ball, esp one which the striker aims to hit with the cue ball

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Etymology

Origin of object ball

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

When only one object ball remains on the table, the player re-racks the remaining 14 balls and continues his run.

From Washington Times

The rule comes into force when a player, usually trying to escape a taxing snooker, fails to make contact with the object ball.

From The Guardian

The various strokes are as under: 1.—A winning hazard is made by the player causing his own ball to hit an object ball and forcing the latter into a pocket.

From Project Gutenberg

To “rush” successfully, the striker’s ball must lie near the object ball, preferably, though not necessarily, in the line of the rush.

From Project Gutenberg

By Billiard Association rules, when two object balls are struck simultaneously, the stroke shall be scored as if the white had been struck first.

From Project Gutenberg