noun
ball
A formal gathering for dancing.
The guests dance at the charity ball until well after midnight.
Etymology
French bal named a dance or dancing gathering. English retains that social meaning for a formal event organized around dancing, often with ceremonial dress and arrangements.
More examples
- She wore a long dress to the winter ball.
- The children had a ball at the water park.
- Several formal balls marked the city's festival season.
Forms
ball · balls