What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ball
Example
He kicked the ball into the goal. [ball: noun]
Example
Let's go to the masquerade ball tonight. [ball: noun]
Example
The artist sculpted a beautiful ball out of clay. [ball: noun]
orb
Example
The astronauts observed the Earth from space, seeing it as a blue orb. [orb: noun]
Example
The king held the golden orb as a symbol of his reign. [orb: noun]
Example
She gazed into the crystal orb, hoping to see her future. [orb: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ball is a more common word in everyday language, used in various contexts related to sports, games, and social events. Orb is less commonly used and has a more specific usage in celestial or symbolic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ball and orb?
While ball is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, orb is more formal and often used in more serious or mystical settings.