noun
Uncommon
ballpark
BAWL-pahrk
Ballpark (noun) means a stadium where baseball is played. Example: “We grabbed hot dogs before heading into the ballpark.”
noun
1
A stadium where baseball is played.
"We grabbed hot dogs before heading into the ballpark."
2
A rough range within which something falls; an approximation.
"Ten thousand dollars is in the right ballpark for a used car like that."
verb
1
To give a rough estimate of something.
"Can you ballpark how much the renovation will cost?"
How to use ballpark
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a baseball stadium, or a rough, approximate range or guess.
Common pairings
ballpark figure
in the ballpark
ballpark estimate
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ballpark.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- ballparks
- Third person singular
- ballparks
- Past tense
- ballparked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We grabbed hot dogs before heading into the _____.
Etymology
Originally just the stadium where baseball is played; the "rough estimate" sense grew from the phrase "ballpark figure" in the mid-20th century.
Class of 1900
ballpark joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Synonyms
View more →
park
approximate range
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ballpark” mean?
The word “ballpark” means a stadium where baseball is played. In plain terms, either a baseball stadium, or a rough, approximate range or guess.
How do you pronounce “ballpark”?
“Ballpark” is pronounced BAWL-pahrk (/ˈbɔl(ˌ)pɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ballpark” in a sentence?
Here is “ballpark” used in a sentence: “We grabbed hot dogs before heading into the ballpark.”
What part of speech is “ballpark”?
Depending on how it is used, “ballpark” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ballpark” come from?
The word “ballpark” dates back to around 1900. Originally just the stadium where baseball is played; the "rough estimate" sense grew from the phrase "ballpark figure" in the mid-20th century.
Is “ballpark” a common word?
“Ballpark” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ballpark” have?
“Ballpark” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stadium where baseball is played.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include ballpark:
