noun
oddball
AHD-bawl
Oddball (noun) means a person who behaves in a strange or eccentric way. Example: “The office oddball kept a collection of vintage typewriters on his desk.”
noun
1
A person who behaves in a strange or eccentric way.
""She's different, mister. A real oddball, if you know what I mean. But your little girl would love her. All kids love the Doll Lady.""
— Maris Soule, Storybook Hero (1989)
"The office oddball kept a collection of vintage typewriters on his desk."
adj
1
Strange or unconventional; not mainstream.
"They released an oddball comedy that flopped in theaters but found a cult following later."
How to use oddball
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quirky, unconventional person or thing.
Common pairings
a lovable oddball
an oddball comedy
an oddball theory
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Word forms
- Plural
- oddballs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The office _____ kept a collection of vintage typewriters on his desk.
Etymology
A compound of "odd" and "ball" that first appeared describing a bonus ball in 1930s pinball-style games, before shifting to describe eccentric people by the 1940s.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “oddball” mean?
The word “oddball” means a person who behaves in a strange or eccentric way. In plain terms, a quirky, unconventional person or thing.
How do you pronounce “oddball”?
“Oddball” is pronounced AHD-bawl (/ˈɑːdˌbɔl/ in IPA).
How do you use “oddball” in a sentence?
Here is “oddball” used in a sentence: “The office oddball kept a collection of vintage typewriters on his desk.”
What is another word for “oddball”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oddball” include odd duck, strange fish, queer fish and weirdo.
What part of speech is “oddball”?
Depending on how it is used, “oddball” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “oddball” come from?
The word “oddball” dates back to around 1930. A compound of "odd" and "ball" that first appeared describing a bonus ball in 1930s pinball-style games, before shifting to describe eccentric people by the 1940s.
How many meanings does “oddball” have?
“Oddball” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who behaves in a strange or eccentric way.
