Pronunciation: [kjˈuː bˈɔːl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "cue ball" is /kjuː bɔːl/. The phonetic transcription indicates that the first syllable is pronounced with a "kyoo" sound, followed by a long "o" sound and a short "a" sound in the second syllable. The word is pronounced with a slight emphasis on the first syllable, and the final "l" is silent. A cue ball is a white ball used in cue sports like pool and billiards to strike other balls.
A cue ball is a term used in various cue sports, particularly in billiards and pool games. It refers to the white ball that is primarily used by the player to strike other balls on the table during gameplay.
The cue ball typically has a smooth and solid surface, allowing it to roll and move smoothly across the table. Its primary purpose is to receive a strike from the cue stick, transferring the force of the player's shot to the object balls, causing them to move and interact with each other. The cue ball is usually slightly larger than the other balls on the table, making it easier to control and strike accurately.
In many cue sports games, particularly those played on a pool table, the cue ball serves as the cue stick's target. Players aim to hit specific object balls with the cue ball, employing various techniques to achieve desired effects such as potting a ball into a pocket or creating strategic positioning on the table.
The cue ball's coloration, predominantly white, allows it to stand out from the other balls, which are typically colored and numbered differently to distinguish them. This differentiation enables players to easily identify the cue ball during gameplay and make strategic decisions based on its position and subsequent shots.
Overall, the cue ball plays a crucial role in cue sports, serving as the primary means by which players execute shots, control the flow of the game, and achieve desired game outcomes.
The word "cue ball" has a straightforward etymology. It is a compound noun derived from two separate words: "cue" and "ball".
The term "cue" refers to a long, slender stick used in games like billiards and snooker to strike the ball. It originated in the 18th century from the French word "queue", which means "tail". The reference is to the tail-like shape of the wooden stick, similar to a queue (hairstyle) or a queue (waiting line).
The word "ball" has ancient origins and is derived from Old English and Old Norse languages. The Old English word "beall" and the Old Norse word "bollr" both meant "round object" or "sphere".
When these two words are combined, "cue" describing the stick and "ball" representing the object struck by it, the compound noun "cue ball" is formed.
