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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pasta lovers, meatball fans and everyone who swoons over pizza knows that the Charlotte area has great Italian restaurants at every turn. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026 Cocktail meatballs are a classic for a reason. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 Perhaps the most impressive element of the exercise—beyond the meatballs, which really do live up to the hype—is that the pop-up only lasted one night. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026 Inside, tender beef meatballs sit in a bright, zippy marinara that pulls everything into focus. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meatball

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meatball was in 1856

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Cite this Entry

“Meatball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meatball. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

meatball

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

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