ballast

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It isn’t just because bonds are designed to be the fund’s ballast.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

If you’re not in the mood for a hulking sirloin — and if just creamed spinach and a frosted martini feel like insufficient ballast — skip the burger.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

“This reflects both the halt of inbound ballast traffic and the time required to reestablish production following restart of the plant,” they said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Aside from his musical career, McManus has had a number of business interests including Cloburn Quarry in Lanark, a major supplier of ballast for Britain's railways.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

“Too bad—your voyage for nothing. An expensive mistake. If you’d sailed with a cargo, you could sell that. But—you sailed in ballast, didn’t you? Nothing but specie. And now—nothing to buy. Really too bad.”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham