Meaning and Usage of the Informal Term “Ballpark”

Definition

Ballparknoun, adjective (informal).
Used to describe an estimate or an approximate value made based on informed judgment rather than precise calculation.

Usage Example

“Give me a ballpark figure on our total expenses for next year.”

This phrase implies asking for a rough, general idea of the amount, not an exact number.

Word Origin

Originally, ballpark referred to a baseball field. Over time, it gained a metaphorical sense, referring to something within an acceptable or reasonable range — “in the same ballpark” means “approximately correct.”

Related Expressions

Summary

The term ballpark conveys the idea of a close but not precise estimate, often used in casual business or everyday speech.

Author’s summary: The word “ballpark” informally signals an estimate made with judgment rather than precision, echoing the metaphor of being within a reasonable range.

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Dictionary.com Dictionary.com — 2025-12-01

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