whiffle ball

Holey plastic ball

Whiffle ball is a lightweight plastic ball with perforated holes, designed for backyard play.

The holes create air resistance that limits distance and allows dramatic curves, making it safe for small spaces.

The term also names the casual baseball-like game played with such a ball and a plastic bat: We played whiffle ball in the driveway.

Also spelled Wiffle ball, after the trademark.

Related

plastic · hit · home run · childhood nostalgia · perforated · recreation · safe · informal rules · play · game · street game · neighborhood kids · pickup game · summer afternoon · lightweight · hollow · catch · fielding

Opposites
seriousness/formality of play

whiffle ballMajor League Baseball

Premier North American ballgame organization

hardball · professional baseball · World Series · Little League · organized baseball

ball hardness/density

whiffle ballhardball

Uncompromising competitive tactics

baseball · cricket ball · softball · lacrosse ball · golf ball

Family

whiffle, ball, whiffling, balls, balled, balling

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Mostly American · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G