Beachballs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A large, inflatable ball typically used in recreational activities on sandy shores or swimming pools; designed for playful entertainment and often brightly colored; a popular item for beach games and summer festivities
2. A lightweight, inflatable sphere made for leisure activities near water or on beaches; it is commonly utilized for games and fun, often featuring diverse patterns and hues; essential for summer enjoyment and relaxation
3. An oversized, air-filled ball used primarily for amusement at beach settings or water parks; frequently decorated with vibrant designs and colors, it serves as a favorite accessory for outdoor play and social gatherings

Etymology: Beachball is a plain compound: "beach" joined to "ball," with no hidden history to uncover in the parts themselves. The surprise lies in the newer sense the word has picked up. Computer users know the spinning, multicoloured wheel that appears when a Mac is busy, and that cursor earned its name from its resemblance to the inflatable toy. The beach half traces back a long way. It descends from Old English "bæċ," a word for a brook or stream, which later became the name of the shore where waves wash up. "Ball" has an equally old pedigree, coming from Old English "beall," a round object for play. Put together, the two words describe exactly what they sound like: a round plaything for the seaside.