meatball

noun

meat·​ball ˈmēt-ˌbȯl How to pronounce meatball (audio)
: a small ball of chopped or ground meat often mixed with bread crumbs and spices

Examples of meatball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Raw meatballs were at 48F-50F in cold holding drawers under the flat grill. Michael Braga, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Other notable and unique entries on the list include Nashville hot chicken fries, blooming quesadilla ring, Rueben pickle bites, slow-cooker grape jelly meatballs, cowboy caviar and tater tot casserole. Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 11 Feb. 2024 Utah’s partner orders two meatball subs and then, before he’s taken a bite, regrets not ordering three. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2024 Now, there’s a giant menu of steaks, chicken, salads and new pizzas, such as the Ranch Hand (meatballs, pepperoni, bacon, Canadian bacon and chorizo, $20). Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Sicilian square slices and a meatball sub will also be available. Carlos Frías, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Lamb deserves a spot on your table any night—in the form of smoky kebabs, tender meatballs, and juicy burgers. Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appétit, 29 Feb. 2024 Via Carota dishes celebrate seasonal vegetables as well as classic Italian comfort food creations like meatballs, risotto, and pasta. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 Spread vegetable oil on your hands, then scoop 1 to 2 ounces of the shrimp paste and roll into meatballs (greasing hands as needed to prevent sticking). Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'meatball.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meatball was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near meatball

Cite this Entry

“Meatball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meatball. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

meatball

noun
meat·​ball -ˌbȯl How to pronounce meatball (audio)
: a small ball of chopped or ground meat

More from Merriam-Webster on meatball

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