Phrase guide

May Ball

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An elaborate formal event held on the grounds of a college at the end of the academic year, attended by students and often involving food, alcohol, live music, fireworks, illuminations, and attractions such as amusement rides.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: Cambridge University

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

So named because they take place in May Week, originally in May but now in early June.