ball of wax

noun phrase

: affair, concern
the whole ball of wax

Examples of ball of wax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But again, Daniel is a whole different ball of wax. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ball of wax was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near ball of wax

Cite this Entry

“Ball of wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20of%20wax. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ball of wax

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!