balla
/ˈpaɫ̪ə/
The Gaelic word for ball is balla.
balla refers to a general object, typically spherical, that is used for playing games.
Meaning: object, generally spherical, used for playing games (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaɫ̪ə/
Did you know?
- The Gaelic word balla shares the exact same roots as the English word 'wall'.
- In historical contexts, balla would describe the palisades or defensive ramparts of a camp rather than a toy.
Example conversation
Eilidh and Callum are playing in the garden.
- EilidhA bheil an balla agad, a Callum?Do you have the ball, Callum?
- CallumCha bhith e agam.I don't have it.
- EilidhTha an balla fo an uisge.The ball is under the water.
- CallumO, tha e an sin!Oh, it is there!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry balla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
