curveball

noun

curve·​ball ˈkərv-ˌbȯl How to pronounce curveball (audio)
: a slow or moderately fast baseball pitch thrown with spin to make it swerve downward and usually to the left when thrown from the right hand or to the right when thrown from the left hand
curveball verb

Examples of curveball in a Sentence

The batter struck out on a curveball.
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.
His four seam fastball has a unique shape and gets up to 99 mph with plus command, and that pairs well with his great curveball, good change-up, and strong cutter. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The Guardians registered four batted ball events and three hits against Lugo’s curveball, per Baseball Savant. — Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 If last month threw you some curveballs, now is the time to get your house in order. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 Japan never threatened after that, struggling as Martina mixed in fastballs and curveballs to oohs and ahs from the nearly 22,000 fans who packed the bleachers and steep hill overlooking the outfield. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curveball

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curveball was in 1936

Phrases Containing curveball

Rhymes for curveball

See All Rhymes for curveball

Browse Nearby Words

curve
curveball
curve-billed thrasher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curveball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curveball. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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