The ball drop is the New Year's Eve event televised from Times Square each year.
The phrase describes the lowering of the Times Square Ball during the final minute before midnight. Millions of viewers watch the event through television and online broadcasts, while crowds in Times Square follow the countdown in person. The ball reaches the base of its pole at midnight, signaling the start of the new year.
The first ball drop took place in 1907, after New York City banned the fireworks display that had previously marked New Year’s Eve at the site. The ritual was interrupted during World War II in 1942 and 1943 because of wartime blackout restrictions, when the celebration was observed with a moment of silence instead.
“The ball drop” is not the name of the object. The object is the Times Square Ball, while the event is its descent. The celebration also features confetti, music, performers, and a midnight rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.”