meatball
word
Definition
A small round ball of ground meat mixed with seasonings, breadcrumbs, and sometimes eggs, then cooked by frying, baking, or simmering in sauce. Meatballs are found in many world cuisines, from Italian-American spaghetti and meatballs to Swedish köttbullar.
Usage & Nuances
Common collocations: 'spaghetti and meatballs', 'Swedish meatballs', 'meatball sub/sandwich', 'turkey/chicken/beef meatballs'. In informal American English, 'meatball' can also be used as a mild insult meaning a stupid or clumsy person, though this usage is dated. The word is countable — 'a meatball', 'three meatballs'.
Example Sentences
We ordered spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.
basic
My grandmother makes the best meatballs with tomato sauce.
basic
I made turkey meatballs because they are healthier than beef.
basic
I grabbed a meatball sub from the deli on my way home.
natural
The Swedish meatballs at IKEA are honestly the main reason I go there.
natural
She rolled the meatballs by hand and dropped them straight into the simmering broth.
natural