BALK - Definition & Meaning for Kids
Meaning 1
Part of speech: Noun
the area on a billiard table behind the balkline
Example: a player with ball in hand must play from the balk
Categories: Area, Expanse, Surface area
Meaning 2
Part of speech: Noun
an illegal pitching motion while runners are on base
Categories: Pitch, Delivery
Synonyms
Deterrent, Hinderance, Check, Handicap, Baulk
🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)
The word "balk" comes from Dutch balken. It started in Proto-Germanic *balkô. Then it appeared in Old Norse bálkr. Later, people used it in Old English balca. After that, it was Middle English balke. Many other languages have similar words:.
- Dutch: balk
- German: Balken
- Italian: balcone
🧩 Fun Fact
Each civilization borrowed this word because they encountered the concept through cultural contact.