a spirit, liqueur or wine served in a long tumbler with ice and topped up with soda or ginger ale. The glass also takes its name from the drink. It is said to have originated in St. Louis in the late 19th century based on the fact that on many railroads, a ball hoisted up on a pole was a signal to an approaching train driver that he should speed up. Subsequently, it has come to mean a speedily made drink.

Long drink that is served in a tall glass with a spirit, a soft drink and ice.

a mixed drink made of alcoholic liquor mixed with water or a carbonated beverage and served in a tall glass

an iced drink containing liquor (as whiskey) and water or a carbonated beverage and served in a tall glass

A signal from crew member to engineer by hand motion, lantern, or radio to proceed. The term comes from the old-fashioned train signal where a ball was hoisted atop a tall pole to indicate that a train may proceed.

to move quickly. a mixed drink; cocktail.

A cocktail composed of whiskey and soda water or plain water. It is most often served over ice in a tall glass.

Simply spirit with ice, topped up with soda or some other sparkling mixer, but with no other ingredient.

Any spirit served with ice and soda water in a medium to tall glass (often a highball glass).