root ball

noun

ˈrüt-ˌbȯl How to pronounce root ball (audio)
also ˈru̇t-
variants or less commonly rootball
plural root balls also rootballs
: the compact mass of roots and soil formed by a plant especially in a container
If there are large circling roots or you have a difficult time straightening the roots, the root ball should be thinned and the soil loosened before planting.—Carey Brothers

Examples of root ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drought-tolerant species such as coneflowers, coreopsis, calamint, grasses, and even spring bulbs are nestled in that gravel layer, their root balls just grazing the top of the soil below. — Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Aug. 2026 If the lean is recent, start by thoroughly watering the soil around the root ball to soften it, then gently pull the tree back to a vertical position using a wide, soft strap around the lower trunk, taking care not to damage the bark. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026 The top of the root ball must sit completely flush with, or slightly higher than, the surrounding ground surface. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 Make sure root balls are moist at planting and create berms at the edge to catch water. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for root ball

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of root ball was in 1837

Rhymes for root ball

See All Rhymes for root ball

Browse Nearby Words

root and branch
root ball
root beer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Root ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20ball. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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