What does meatball mean?
A meatball is a small, rounded portion of minced meat that is shaped by hand and cooked in a sauce, broth, or similar liquid. The word is especially common in dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs and Swedish meatballs, where the individual portions are a defining feature of the dish. In older informal English, “meatball” could also refer disparagingly to a clumsy, overweight, or unintelligent person. Military slang additionally used the word for a person killed in action, and the verb “to meatball” could mean to kill someone, particularly in battle. The modern culinary sense is by far the most common and is generally neutral or even affectionate, especially when used in the context of a family recipe, restaurant dish, or comforting food. The compound also illustrates how English often forms transparent everyday words: the first element identifies the material, while the second identifies the shape.
A rounded portion of minced meat formed into a ball and cooked in a sauce or broth.
"The recipe calls for twelve small meatballs."
This is the dominant modern meaning and is used in both British and American English.
Informally, a person regarded as clumsy, overweight, or unintelligent; in military slang, a person killed in action.
"The old nickname reflected his reputation on the field, though later he resented being called a meatball."
These meanings are informal and often disparaging. The military sense is especially associated with twentieth-century warfare and may sound dated outside that context.
To kill, especially in a military context.
"The soldiers were warned not to expose themselves and get meatballed."
Chiefly military and informal; this use is much less common than the culinary noun.
The standard plural is “meatballs,” used for both individual food portions and figurative persons.
"She browned the meatballs before adding them to the sauce."
The word “meatball” is a wonderfully literal example of English compounding: a ball made of meat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of meatball
“Meatball” is an English compound formed from “meat” and “ball,” referring literally to a ball-shaped piece of meat. The word developed in the context of food preparation, with culinary use established by the nineteenth century. Its figurative and military meanings developed later from the image of a compact ball and, in the military sense, from a more dramatic and morbid comparison.
Related word forms
How meatball is actually used
In culinary contexts, “meatball” is neutral and common. The senses meaning a clumsy person or someone killed in action are informal, often disparaging, and may be dated or especially associated with military slang. The verb is chiefly informal and military in tone.
Easily confused with meatball
A meatball is a separate rounded portion of minced meat, whereas meatloaf is a baked or baked-and-served loaf made from seasoned minced meat.