stress ball

[stres bawl]

noun

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

stress ball

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stress ball¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

In a struggle over the stress ball, Gonzales claims the employee broke two of her fingers.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Two of Anthony’s siblings testified at the trial, clutching a stress ball as they described the ways they and Anthony were tortured by Barron and Leiva.

From Los Angeles Times