balling

American  

[baw-lin] / ˈbɔ lɪn /

Also ballin’,

verb

1. Slang. living a lavish, flashy, or extravagant lifestyle, especially spending freely while partying.

   It’s not fair that he’s out ballin’ in the club while she’s home taking care of their kids.

2. Informal. present participle of ball, in the sense of playing basketball.

   Y’all remember those summers we spent ballin on the court shooting threes?

3. Slang: Vulgar. present participle of ball, in the sense of having sexual intercourse.

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adjective

Slang.

1. lavish, flashy, or extravagant.

   He really doesn’t have the kind of money to keep up this balling lifestyle.

Etymology

Origin of balling

First recorded in 1660–70; ball ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ); 1990–95 balling for def. 2, ball ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ); 1960–65 balling for def. 3, ball ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The firm renamed it Tropicana Brands Group, balling up other beleaguered beverage properties too, and packed it full of debt.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

They are local heroes in brilliant yellow who have risen from the brink of bankruptcy to balling like a frost-kissed Brazil.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“He’s balling, man. He’s showing some crazy stuff. He’s really developed,” offensive lineman Sam Cosmi said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2023

“To see them out there balling and scoring, it’s just like it’s my little brother out there scoring. So we’re just happy to see them execute and living out their dream.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

She took away her hands, balling them into fists, opened her mouth wide and screamed.

From "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness