May Ball

noun

An elaborate formal event held on the grounds of a college at the end of the academic year, attended by students and often involving food, alcohol, live music, fireworks, illuminations, and attractions such as amusement rides.

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Meanings

nounMay Ball (plural May Balls)

plural May Balls

  1. Cambridge UniversityAn elaborate formal event held on the grounds of a college at the end of the academic year, attended by students and often involving food, alcohol, live music, fireworks, illuminations, and attractions such as amusement rides.

Origin

So named because they take place in May Week, originally in May but now in early June.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

May Ball. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/May%20Ball

MLA

“May Ball.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/May%20Ball. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “May Ball,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/May%20Ball.

Source: May Ball on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.