stress ball

American  

[stres bawl] / ˈstrɛs ˌbɔl /

noun

1. a small, pliable, typically round object that is squeezed with the hand to relieve muscle tension or improve grip strength.

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stress ball British  

noun

1. a small rubber ball squeezed in the hand as a means of relieving stress

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Etymology

Origin of stress ball

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

He’s holding a stress ball in one hand, and he’s gesticulating wildly with the other.

From Literature

The red stress ball drops from his hands, bouncing a bit before coming to an ominous stop.

From Literature

One day, her complaint said, another employee grabbed her stress ball and refused to give it back to her.

From Los Angeles Times

Some children also benefit from a physical outlet for their anger, like ripping paper or squeezing a stress ball -- which more parents of boys encouraged than parent of girls.

From Science Daily

Beth draws and uses a stress ball as she listens.

From Salon