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ball bearing
noun
: a bearing in which the journal turns upon loose hardened steel balls that roll easily in a race
also
: one of the balls in such a bearing
Examples of ball bearing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In comments on the police Instagram post, one former neighbor said the man repeatedly pelted his dog with ball bearings and BBs.
—Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 26 May 2024
Russia has used intermediaries that conceal the ultimate destination and end-use of items of everything from ball bearings to navigational equipment with growing confidence.
—Tim Lister, CNN, 29 Jan. 2024
What about ball bearings?’’ Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2023
The bomb contained 20 pounds of military-grade explosives and 5-millimeter ball bearings.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024
Where, exactly, are all the chips and ball bearings that go into weapons manufactured?
—Shannon K. O’Neil, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
The components turn within a generous set of six stainless steel ball bearings, including one with corrosion resistant coating.
—Morgan Lyle, Field & Stream, 4 May 2023
An additional search of the vehicle by the bomb squad for other explosives led to the discovery of some methamphetamine, a glass smoking pipe, and some ball bearings.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2024
The rubber wheels were 3D-printed directly around the body of the main wheel frame, eliminating the need for metal screws and ball bearings, which would run the risk of rust after exposure to water.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 July 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ball bearing.' 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
1860, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ball bearing
Cite this Entry
“Ball bearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20bearing. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
ball bearing
noun1
: a bearing in which the revolving part turns on steel balls that roll easily in a groove
2
: one of the balls in a ball bearing
More from Merriam-Webster on ball bearing
Nglish: Translation of ball bearing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ball bearing
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