Phrase guide

no ball

noun · verb · 4 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

A ball delivered by a bowler in violation of any of the various laws; the extra run then credited to the batting side; the signal, with an arm outstretched, then made by the umpire.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: ball-games, cricket, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • Henry bowled three no-balls in his spell of 3-78.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To bowl a no ball.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: ball-games, cricket, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To call and signal a no ball.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: ball-games, cricket, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • He almost no balled the full over due to his repetitive overstepping.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

unlawfully delivered ball in cricket

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the umpire called it a no ball

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: bowling

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Māori: tuku hē — a ball not delivered in accordance with regulations for the game.
  • Māori: tukunga hē — a ball not delivered according to the rules of the game.