ball bearing

noun

, Machinery.

1. a bearing consisting of a number of hard balls running in grooves in the surfaces of two concentric rings, one of which is mounted on a rotating or oscillating shaft or the like.
2. any of the balls so used.

ball bearing

noun

1. a bearing consisting of a number of hard steel balls rolling between a metal sleeve fitted over the rotating shaft and an outer sleeve held in the bearing housing, so reducing friction between moving parts while providing support for the shaft
2. a metal ball, esp one used in such a bearing

ball bearing

1. A ring-shaped track containing hard metal balls that roll freely, used to reduce friction where a rotating element (such as an axle) is attached to a fixed point.
2. A hard ball used in such a track.

Other Words From

• ball-bearing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ball bearing¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The Speed Rope Pro’s ergonomic rubber handles and super smooth ball bearings will allow you to crank out double-unders with ease.

From Outside Online

If so, be sure you use ball-bearing grease and not ordinary cup grease.

From Project Gutenberg

So that they cannot be injured by waste oil from the ball bearing, or by water or snow.

From Project Gutenberg

The days went by on golden, noiseless, ball-bearing axles—and almost before I realized it, winter was upon the land.

From Project Gutenberg

It should be a good machine having hard rubber rollers, ball-bearing action, and strong springs at the side.

From Project Gutenberg

When he punched that key, if everything worked right, the energy in the tiny ball bearing would be released instantaneously.

From Project Gutenberg