oddball
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.”
How to use oddball
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quirky, unconventional person or thing.
Word forms
oddballs plural
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
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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.