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

Critics say it causes more poor contacts, leading to 'kicks' when the cue ball hits the object ball, often resulting in players running out of position or missing pots.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

The spectacular three-cushion game is the toughest: the cue ball, to score a point, must touch the cushions at least three times before hitting the second object ball.

From Time Magazine Archive

It upset Lauri's concentration so much that he committed an inexcusable scratch�missing the object ball entirely.

From Time Magazine Archive

De Oro made a run of four that included a billiard in which his cue ball touched not the minimum of three cushions before striking the object ball, but five.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various