1. small balls of chewed paper that are shot or thrown as projectiles
Usage: informal; typically associated with school mischief
2. in baseball, illegal pitches thrown with saliva or other substances applied to the ball
Usage: baseball; banned in professional play

Examples

• The teacher confiscated the spitballs from the disruptive student.
• Making spitballs during class will get you sent to the principal’s office.
• He shot spitballs through a straw at his classmates.
• The pitcher was ejected for throwing spitballs during the game.
• Spitballs were commonly used by pitchers before they were outlawed.
• She found dried spitballs stuck to the classroom ceiling.
• The umpire inspected the ball for evidence of spitballs.