stickball

[ stik-bawl ]

noun

1. a form of baseball played in the streets, on playgrounds, etc., in which a rubber ball and a broomstick or the like are used in place of a baseball and bat.

Other Words From

• stickballer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stickball¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25; (broom)stick + ball ¹

Example Sentences

In addition to having peer recovery specialists who are Cherokees, the recovery curriculum includes traditional activities like bead making, talking circles and stickball.

From Seattle Times

Growing up in the Bensonhurst section, he started piano lessons at 8 but quit because he preferred playing stickball outdoors with his friends.

From New York Times

One day, while watching from a window as his brother played stickball, he experienced what he described as a flood of anger at his lot and that of anyone in a condition like his.

From Washington Post

He is a middle-schooler who invites his buddies over to play stickball, and when a window breaks he immediately points at everyone else.

From Washington Post

He had a shaved head that looked like it had been used as a stickball one too many times.

From Literature