stickball

American  

[stik-bawl] / ˈstɪkˌbɔl /

noun

1. a form of baseball played in the streets, on playgrounds, etc., in which a rubber ball and a broomstick or the like are used in place of a baseball and bat.

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Other Word Forms

• stickballer noun

Etymology

Origin of stickball

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25; (broom)stick + ball ¹

Example Sentences

In addition to having peer recovery specialists who are Cherokees, the recovery curriculum includes traditional activities like bead making, talking circles and stickball.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2023

Growing up in the Bensonhurst section, he started piano lessons at 8 but quit because he preferred playing stickball outdoors with his friends.

From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2022

One day, while watching from a window as his brother played stickball, he experienced what he described as a flood of anger at his lot and that of anyone in a condition like his.

From Washington Post • Oct. 12, 2022

The red-haired boy spent summer days playing stickball in the streets and collecting empty soda bottles, returning them for refunds so he could buy a 55-cent ticket to the Polo Grounds.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2022

He had a shaved head that looked like it had been used as a stickball one too many times.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros