fair ball

IPA/ˌfeə ˈbɔːl/
IPA/ˌfer ˈbɑːl/

fair ball — noun

1. in baseball, a batted ball that stays within the playing area defined by the two

1.nounB2
Definition

in baseball, a batted ball that stays within the playing area defined by the two white chalk lines running from home plate to the outfield wall, making it a valid hit that keeps the play going

Example

Nikhil hit a fair ball past the shortstop that rolled to the outfield wall.

fair ball past infielder into outfield

The umpire shouted 'fair ball' as Takeshi's line drive landed just inside the third-base line.

umpire's call: fair ball

Common collocations
  • hit a fair ball
  • call a fair ball
  • fair ball territory
  • fair ball landed
Antonyms
  • foul ball

    the opposite — a batted ball that lands or rolls outside the foul lines

Usage Note

In baseball broadcasts and commentary, umpires often shout 'fair ball' loudly to signal that a hit is valid and in play. The opposite call is 'foul ball'.

Common Mistakes

The batter hit the ball fair.
The batter hit a fair ball.
'fair ball' is a compound noun, not an adjective + noun phrase. Use the full compound.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Fair ball' refers specifically to a batted baseball that stays within the foul lines after being hit. 'Fair territory' describes the playing area itself — the diamond-shaped section between the two foul lines extending from home plate. 'In play' is a broader umpiring term: a ball is 'in play' whenever the game is actively proceeding, regardless of whether the last hit was fair or foul. A fair ball is always in play, but a ball can be in play without being a fair ball (for example, a catcher's throw to second base).

fair ball ↗fair territoryin play ↗

Etymology

English

From the early rules of baseball in the mid-1800s: 'fair' (meaning 'according to the rules' or 'within the legal area') combined with 'ball'. The term was established as a standard umpire's call as baseball spread across the United States.

First known use

1855

1855, in the meaning defined above