tea ball

noun

1. a small ball of perforated metal or other material in which tea leaves are placed to be immersed in hot water to make tea.

tea ball

noun

1. a perforated metal ball filled with tea leaves and put in boiling water to make tea

Word History and Origins

Origin of tea ball¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Strain the thyme out unless you use a tea ball.

From Seattle Times

Pour the contents of the simmered pot, including the tea ball, into the mixture of cold water and soy sauce.

From Seattle Times

Holmes and Benton say leaves can expand up to five times their original dry volume when wet, which is important to keep in mind if you’re using a tea ball or infuser tongs.

From Washington Post

Dear Heloise: I've found some new ideas for a tea ball, such as placing a bay leaf in it and suspending it in soups and stews to get the flavor but not the herb.

From Washington Post

See a metal-caged severed head swing from a chain like a gruesome tea ball!

From New York Times