balling

American  

[baw-lin] / ˈbɔ lɪn /

Also ballin’,

verb

1. Slang. living a lavish, flashy, or extravagant lifestyle, especially spending freely while partying.

   It’s not fair that he’s out ballin’ in the club while she’s home taking care of their kids.

2. Informal. present participle of ball, in the sense of playing basketball.

   Y’all remember those summers we spent ballin on the court shooting threes?

3. Slang: Vulgar. present participle of ball, in the sense of having sexual intercourse.

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adjective

Slang.

1. lavish, flashy, or extravagant.

   He really doesn’t have the kind of money to keep up this balling lifestyle.

Etymology

Origin of balling

First recorded in 1660–70; ball ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ); 1990–95 balling for def. 2, ball ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ); 1960–65 balling for def. 3, ball ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

You can come in balling and throwing stuff, but to who?

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

“I’m telling you!” she cried, balling up her fists.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2024

“He’s balling, man. He’s showing some crazy stuff. He’s really developed,” offensive lineman Sam Cosmi said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2023

“To see them out there balling and scoring, it’s just like it’s my little brother out there scoring. So we’re just happy to see them execute and living out their dream.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

I crossed my arms tightly across my chest, my hands balling into fists.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer