ballpark

Or ball park

[bawl-pahrk]

noun

1. a tract of land where ball games, especially baseball, are played.

2. a baseball stadium.

adjective

1. Informal.,  being an approximation, based on an educated guess.

   Give me a ballpark figure on our total expenses for next year.

ballpark

/ ˈbɔːlˌpɑːk /

noun

1. a stadium used for baseball games

2. informal

   1. approximate range

      in the right ballpark

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ballpark figure

3. informal,  a situation; state of affairs

   it's a whole new ballpark for him

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballpark¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; ball ¹ + park

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in the ballpark, within reasonable, acceptable, or expected limits.

   The price may go up another $10, but that's still in the ballpark.

Example Sentences

Dodger Stadium might not be the first ballpark in Southern California served by a gondola, if that comes to pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Cover staged a larger ballpark promotion this year.

From Los Angeles Times

After an initial visual inspection, engineers are currently testing concrete and metal structures within the ballpark, Vanderpool said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I thought Blake was fantastic tonight,” Roberts said of Snell, who left the ballpark immediately after the game for the birth of his second child.

From Los Angeles Times

The Times’ Bill Shaikin has pointed out that geographical realignment would be tied to schedule reform that could help kindle rivalries and encourage fans to visit opposing ballparks that are within driving distance.

From Los Angeles Times

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