object ball
Americannoun
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the first ball struck by the cue ball in making a carom.
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a ball to be struck by the cue ball; any ball except the cue ball.
noun
Etymology
Origin of object ball
First recorded in 1855–60
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.
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
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
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
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
In other words, the striker, although he hits the object ball a half-ball stroke, screws into the middle pocket.
From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Hoffmann, Louis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
