Spanish word

pelota

Pronunciation

IPA/peˈlota/

Meaning

  • feminine nounball

Example

¿Dónde está la pelota?

Where is the ball?

Illustration for pelota (ball)

More examples

¿Quieres jugar a la pelota?

Do you want to play with the ball?

Core concept

Round object used in play for throwing, bouncing, or striking.

Common phrases

  • jugar a la pelota

    play with the ball

  • tirar la pelota

    throw the ball

  • buscar la pelota

    look for the ball

Similar words

balón: Large round ball used in team sports such as soccer or basketball.
bola: Solid round object meant to be rolled along the ground or carried.
pelotita: Very small, lightweight ball used by children in simple games.
canica: Small glass marble used as a toy and rolled in marble games.

Definition in Spanish

Objeto redondo, por lo general usado en juegos y deportes para lanzar, botar o golpear.

Word origin

It comes from Latin pila 'ball, stone' via Old French pelote, a diminutive that entered Spanish as pelota.

Usage tips

  • The idiom hacer la pelota means to flatter someone rather than to handle a literal ball.

Other meanings

  • Basque pelotanoun

Related words

  • pelotitalittle ballnoun
  • pelotazohard hitnoun
  • peloterobaseball playernoun

Word lists with this word